For those fans of the fabulous 2005 Luigi Bosca Malbec that was out in the late summer early fall, it's baaaaaack at selected LCBO locations. Check the website to find one near you. Thats the good news, the bad news is that it's about $17.95 this time around. This wine just begs you to fire up the BBQ and throw on a slab of red meat! It'll be fun to try the Bosca against the Vina Cobos Felino. The Felino is a couple of years younger so if you are going to try them head up, open it early to even the age difference.
Now the comment re the other W.o. M. - I'm hearing disconcerting news about the Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier. I've spoken to a couple of consultants and both said they couldn't taste it at their prerelease tastings. One said it was because her bottle was 'off', the second was in a different group and said their bottle was clearly corked. Not a good sign for a wine that I had high hopes for....buyer beware and if you buy it and it just doesn't taste right, it probably isn't. Be prepoared to return it.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
February 28th Vintages Release
A Mediterranean focus this week, including both the South of France and Sicily. Fans of Rhone-style blends at bargain prices (myself included) should be delighted by some of the quality wines available.
What am I buying? Too many choices! But I'll be picking up some but not necessarily all of the following names:
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006
Osoyoos Larose 2005
The Southern France wines are great values and terrific flavours.
CAZES L'EXCELLENCE DE TRINIAC 2005 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be lots going on here but don’t rush it. $16.95
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Chapoutier is usually very good. I expect excellence here and it’s a WoM so there’ll be lots of it! (91-93) $19.95
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006 Another Winner of Gold Medals at the Paris' Concours Général Agricole and the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2008. $16.95
CHÂTEAU DU VIEUX PARC LA SÉLECTION 2005 AC Corbières, Estate Btld. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be very tasty, the Vintages panel knows what they are doing! $19.95
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007 AC Saint-Chinian, A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Vinalies Internationales competition in Paris. – if this wine lives up to this review, you’ll be fighting over it for sure, especially at $13.95! And you have to love the way the French describe their wines…."Very rich on the palate with tannins that are adorably silky, caressing, charming and seductive. The never-ending finish is full of melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate flavours." $13.95
LA BASTIDE BLANCHE BANDOL 2006 Bigger than some of the others from Southern France, wines from Bandol can be a real ageworthy treat $25.95
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005 AC Minervois, aroma profile that includes leather, raspberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and mineral. Dry, balanced, generous and fairly ripe. A wine for gourmet sausages. At this price, call me a gourmet sausage! $13.95
Yikes, some whites!
JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2005 VQA Okanagan Valley – Always superior and well priced. 21.95
MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2007 DOC Breganze A very nice sample if you’re a Pinot Grigio fan $15.95
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007 – This South American sample of Pinot Grigio should be very tasty! - 88. $14.95
FEUDO MONTONI CATARRATTO 2007 IGT Score - 90. Something a little different than the usual chards and Sauvignon blancs at $15.95
COMPOSITE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 A nod to Sancerre. At less than $20 this will be a real test against the ‘cult’ like Cloudy Bay $19.95
Canada
INNISKILLIN RESERVE SERIES MERITAGE 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships. $17.95
Argentina
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005 Mendoza, Argentina (Familia Zuccardi). Great Region, Great Producer, Great Price! Blend of Cab, malbec and syrah, the BBQ says buy lots and it’s rarely wrong $14.95
CRIOS DE SUSANA BALBO SYRAH/BONARDA 2006 Mendoza Susana Balbo is a terrific winemaker. Her wines are always well priced and very,very tasty.- 89. $14.95
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007 Mendoza, Unfined & Unfiltered, Estate Btld. Vina Cobos is a real up and comer. Once again this will be a massive mouthful of maroon malbec ( ahhh , I love alliteration ). It’s the other WoM, I expect you’ll need to decant carefully so that you don’t get a chewy wine both literally and figuratively. 91pts $19.95
PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipu, Mendoza, Las Barrancas Vineyards - Another nice wine at a good price– 89pts. $19.95
The Aussies
2 ELDERTON FRIENDS VINEYARD SERIES – a Shiraz and a CAB SAUV 2006 Always good wine from a great producer. $18.95
MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always very good, you can’t go wrong here. Doug, try one for your Elderton fix. $22.95
THE COLONIAL ESTATE EXPLORATEUR OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2006 – This is a bit expensive for what you get, I think. 90. $29.95
South Africa
STELLENRUST SHIRAZ 2005 Stellenbosch, very well priced- close to a pick! $16.95
France – the Rhone
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006 Perennially (almost a pun there!) a 90 point plus wine. I really like this …. ’04 was great, ’05 as good and this one should follow them nicely 91. $23.95
CAVES SAINT-PIERRE PREFERENCE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2007 AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins in Orange, France. – should be a dynamite wine for the price $14.95
Italy
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005 DOCG - Also a terrific buy if you like sangiovese at $15.00
Portugal
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006 DOC Douro, A dry wine from a terrific port producer. Get on the Portugal train before it leaves the station. Should be very good. $23.95
Spain
1707 SELECCIÓN DE BARRICAS 2004 DO Almansa (Hacienda El Espino)- This has a sinkful of various grapes – if you want red but can’t decide which one, try this after a one hour decant 16.95
CAN BLAU MONTSANT 2007 – one to lay down and forget for a few years. $21.95
The Big Budget bottles. Some terrific wines but who can afford them?
OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2005 Superb Canadian Wine from BC. But not cheap. And needs a few years in a quiet dark place. Score - 5 Stars (out of 5). $44.95
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Stags Leap District, Napa Score - 92. $79.95
DOMINUS 2005Napa Valley, Estate Btld.(Christian Moueix) - 95+. $127.95
RIDGE GEYSERVILLE 2006Sonoma County, Estate Btld. Score - 90. $58.95
SEGHESIO HOME RANCH ZINFANDEL 2006 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 91. $46.95
CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Mendoza This one might be worth the extra bucks! $55.95
D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South –Needs years or decant for hours 93. $55.95
YALUMBA THE SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ 2004 94 $49.95
KILIKANOON COVENANT SHIRAZ 2006 – $49.95
ANTINORI SOLAIA 2005 -IGT Toscana – Time to win a lottery! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2023. Score - 93. $234.95
ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2005 IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 92. Half bottles for $59.95 or 1500ml for $244.95
IL BORRO ROSSO 2005IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 90. $59.95
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006AC, Estate Btld. …needs 4-6 years of bottle age and should last 25-30 years. That’s probably longer than I’ll last! 92-94. $89.95
FEUDO MONTONI VRUCARA NERO D'AVOLA 2005 - - 93. $37.95 -
What am I buying? Too many choices! But I'll be picking up some but not necessarily all of the following names:
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006
Osoyoos Larose 2005
The Southern France wines are great values and terrific flavours.
CAZES L'EXCELLENCE DE TRINIAC 2005 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be lots going on here but don’t rush it. $16.95
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Chapoutier is usually very good. I expect excellence here and it’s a WoM so there’ll be lots of it! (91-93) $19.95
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006 Another Winner of Gold Medals at the Paris' Concours Général Agricole and the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2008. $16.95
CHÂTEAU DU VIEUX PARC LA SÉLECTION 2005 AC Corbières, Estate Btld. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be very tasty, the Vintages panel knows what they are doing! $19.95
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007 AC Saint-Chinian, A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Vinalies Internationales competition in Paris. – if this wine lives up to this review, you’ll be fighting over it for sure, especially at $13.95! And you have to love the way the French describe their wines…."Very rich on the palate with tannins that are adorably silky, caressing, charming and seductive. The never-ending finish is full of melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate flavours." $13.95
LA BASTIDE BLANCHE BANDOL 2006 Bigger than some of the others from Southern France, wines from Bandol can be a real ageworthy treat $25.95
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005 AC Minervois, aroma profile that includes leather, raspberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and mineral. Dry, balanced, generous and fairly ripe. A wine for gourmet sausages. At this price, call me a gourmet sausage! $13.95
Yikes, some whites!
JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2005 VQA Okanagan Valley – Always superior and well priced. 21.95
MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2007 DOC Breganze A very nice sample if you’re a Pinot Grigio fan $15.95
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007 – This South American sample of Pinot Grigio should be very tasty! - 88. $14.95
FEUDO MONTONI CATARRATTO 2007 IGT Score - 90. Something a little different than the usual chards and Sauvignon blancs at $15.95
COMPOSITE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 A nod to Sancerre. At less than $20 this will be a real test against the ‘cult’ like Cloudy Bay $19.95
Canada
INNISKILLIN RESERVE SERIES MERITAGE 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships. $17.95
Argentina
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005 Mendoza, Argentina (Familia Zuccardi). Great Region, Great Producer, Great Price! Blend of Cab, malbec and syrah, the BBQ says buy lots and it’s rarely wrong $14.95
CRIOS DE SUSANA BALBO SYRAH/BONARDA 2006 Mendoza Susana Balbo is a terrific winemaker. Her wines are always well priced and very,very tasty.- 89. $14.95
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007 Mendoza, Unfined & Unfiltered, Estate Btld. Vina Cobos is a real up and comer. Once again this will be a massive mouthful of maroon malbec ( ahhh , I love alliteration ). It’s the other WoM, I expect you’ll need to decant carefully so that you don’t get a chewy wine both literally and figuratively. 91pts $19.95
PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipu, Mendoza, Las Barrancas Vineyards - Another nice wine at a good price– 89pts. $19.95
The Aussies
2 ELDERTON FRIENDS VINEYARD SERIES – a Shiraz and a CAB SAUV 2006 Always good wine from a great producer. $18.95
MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always very good, you can’t go wrong here. Doug, try one for your Elderton fix. $22.95
THE COLONIAL ESTATE EXPLORATEUR OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2006 – This is a bit expensive for what you get, I think. 90. $29.95
South Africa
STELLENRUST SHIRAZ 2005 Stellenbosch, very well priced- close to a pick! $16.95
France – the Rhone
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006 Perennially (almost a pun there!) a 90 point plus wine. I really like this …. ’04 was great, ’05 as good and this one should follow them nicely 91. $23.95
CAVES SAINT-PIERRE PREFERENCE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2007 AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins in Orange, France. – should be a dynamite wine for the price $14.95
Italy
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005 DOCG - Also a terrific buy if you like sangiovese at $15.00
Portugal
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006 DOC Douro, A dry wine from a terrific port producer. Get on the Portugal train before it leaves the station. Should be very good. $23.95
Spain
1707 SELECCIÓN DE BARRICAS 2004 DO Almansa (Hacienda El Espino)- This has a sinkful of various grapes – if you want red but can’t decide which one, try this after a one hour decant 16.95
CAN BLAU MONTSANT 2007 – one to lay down and forget for a few years. $21.95
The Big Budget bottles. Some terrific wines but who can afford them?
OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2005 Superb Canadian Wine from BC. But not cheap. And needs a few years in a quiet dark place. Score - 5 Stars (out of 5). $44.95
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Stags Leap District, Napa Score - 92. $79.95
DOMINUS 2005Napa Valley, Estate Btld.(Christian Moueix) - 95+. $127.95
RIDGE GEYSERVILLE 2006Sonoma County, Estate Btld. Score - 90. $58.95
SEGHESIO HOME RANCH ZINFANDEL 2006 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 91. $46.95
CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Mendoza This one might be worth the extra bucks! $55.95
D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South –Needs years or decant for hours 93. $55.95
YALUMBA THE SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ 2004 94 $49.95
KILIKANOON COVENANT SHIRAZ 2006 – $49.95
ANTINORI SOLAIA 2005 -IGT Toscana – Time to win a lottery! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2023. Score - 93. $234.95
ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2005 IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 92. Half bottles for $59.95 or 1500ml for $244.95
IL BORRO ROSSO 2005IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 90. $59.95
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006AC, Estate Btld. …needs 4-6 years of bottle age and should last 25-30 years. That’s probably longer than I’ll last! 92-94. $89.95
FEUDO MONTONI VRUCARA NERO D'AVOLA 2005 - - 93. $37.95 -
Friday, February 13, 2009
Preview of the 28th release - Recommend you wait
I just saw the release scheduled for the 28th. Unless you really like something in the 14th release, I'd do like the guy from ING says and "Save your money". The next one has some very nice possibilities.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A typically schizophrenic LCBO release - the focus is supposed to be South Africa, but looking at the variety and quality of the wines available in this release, the best country representation is not S.A. but rather Italy. The best single producer focus has a maple leaf - the expensive 3 Pinot noirs and two Chardonnays from Clos Jordanne on the Niagara Peninsula.
What am I buying?
Not much, I picked up what I thought were the best of the bargains from the sale last week and am cashed out. If I were buying, I'd grab a couple of the Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba, the Teusner Shiraz , High Trellis, the Memsie or the Terrazas Cabernet from Argentina. I like to plug them because they link to my blog in Argentina!
South Africa
GRAHAM BECK THE RIDGE SYRAH 2003 WO Robertson One of the best S.A. wines in the release. $25.95
STARK-CONDÉ SYRAH 2005 WO Stellenbosch, Unfined and Unfiltered -Terrific producer, well priced $19.95
GROENLAND ANTOINETTE MARIÉ 2005, WO Stellenbosch –well priced, might be highlight among the dim bulbs in this S. A. release. $17.95
Argentina
TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – This one’ll call out for red meat, but should be good. $18.95
RENACER PUNTO FINAL RESERVA MALBEC 2005 - Nice review! But like the Cabernet, get some red meat between you and it! 91. $23.95
OZ
D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2007 , A White blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne. – something a little different $17.95
D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 A Bordeaux blend from the McLaren Vale Score – Very well priced 90+. $19.95
TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, Kym Teusner is the talented winemaker for Rolf Binder Wines, but he also finds time for his own venture, which has been receiving rave reviews.- 93. $23.95
WATER WHEEL MEMSIE 2007 – Always a terrific price. $13.95
France
DOMAINE DES MULINS MORGON 2007 AC My gosh, my first Beaujolais highlight – Wait for the first sunny, warm Saturday afternoon..Serve it slightly chilled alongside a plate of cold cuts or with white meats. $18.95
Italy
MASTROBERARDINO AGLIANICO 2006. The wine has thick tannins and good length with bursting fruit flavors. 88. $22.95
TERREDORA LACRYMA CHRISTI DEL VESUVIO ROSSO 2005 (100% Piedirosso)- try this and the Spanish Mencia for fans of the unusual , soft, polished red offers and the pretty finish. - 90. $20.95
PIO CESARE BARBERA D'ALBA 2006–Very good buy – there’ll be a huge run on it 92. $21.95
CASTELLANI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 – should be good…$21.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE TENUTA SANT' ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2004 very classy single vineyard expression of 100 per cent sangiovese. Enjoy now-2014. Score - 90. $22.95
CORTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN RIPASSO 2005 - very good – always. $17.95
Spain
CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA 2006 Try something different tonight! The Grape is Mencia, 90. $16.95
The Big Buck selections
All of these are best held for a number of years or decanted for a few hours:
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2006 The 2006 Shiraz "G.A.M." is loved by Parker’s team 95. $54.95
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2006AC Saint-Estèphe 89-91 $48.95
PIO CESARE BARBARESCO 2004 a mostly traditional interpretation of Nebbiolo. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Score - 92. $73.95
BARONE RICASOLI CASALFERRO 2004 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that spent 18 months in French oak. - 90. $39.95
CA'MARCANDA PROMIS 2006 Ca'Marcanda is Angelo Gaja's winemaking venture in Tuscany's coastal region of Maremma. Mini-cult wine, too expensive - 90. $49.95
FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003- always 89-90 points- usually a more fruit forward rendition of Brunello. 89. $48.95
I CASTEI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2004 - nice amarone - 91 $44.95
OPUS ONE 2005 Napa Valley – Are you kidding me?!? In this economy? $359.95
RIDGE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATE 2005 – Always good $59.95
What am I buying?
Not much, I picked up what I thought were the best of the bargains from the sale last week and am cashed out. If I were buying, I'd grab a couple of the Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba, the Teusner Shiraz , High Trellis, the Memsie or the Terrazas Cabernet from Argentina. I like to plug them because they link to my blog in Argentina!
South Africa
GRAHAM BECK THE RIDGE SYRAH 2003 WO Robertson One of the best S.A. wines in the release. $25.95
STARK-CONDÉ SYRAH 2005 WO Stellenbosch, Unfined and Unfiltered -Terrific producer, well priced $19.95
GROENLAND ANTOINETTE MARIÉ 2005, WO Stellenbosch –well priced, might be highlight among the dim bulbs in this S. A. release. $17.95
Argentina
TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – This one’ll call out for red meat, but should be good. $18.95
RENACER PUNTO FINAL RESERVA MALBEC 2005 - Nice review! But like the Cabernet, get some red meat between you and it! 91. $23.95
OZ
D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2007 , A White blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne. – something a little different $17.95
D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 A Bordeaux blend from the McLaren Vale Score – Very well priced 90+. $19.95
TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, Kym Teusner is the talented winemaker for Rolf Binder Wines, but he also finds time for his own venture, which has been receiving rave reviews.- 93. $23.95
WATER WHEEL MEMSIE 2007 – Always a terrific price. $13.95
France
DOMAINE DES MULINS MORGON 2007 AC My gosh, my first Beaujolais highlight – Wait for the first sunny, warm Saturday afternoon..Serve it slightly chilled alongside a plate of cold cuts or with white meats. $18.95
Italy
MASTROBERARDINO AGLIANICO 2006. The wine has thick tannins and good length with bursting fruit flavors. 88. $22.95
TERREDORA LACRYMA CHRISTI DEL VESUVIO ROSSO 2005 (100% Piedirosso)- try this and the Spanish Mencia for fans of the unusual , soft, polished red offers and the pretty finish. - 90. $20.95
PIO CESARE BARBERA D'ALBA 2006–Very good buy – there’ll be a huge run on it 92. $21.95
CASTELLANI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 – should be good…$21.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE TENUTA SANT' ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2004 very classy single vineyard expression of 100 per cent sangiovese. Enjoy now-2014. Score - 90. $22.95
CORTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN RIPASSO 2005 - very good – always. $17.95
Spain
CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA 2006 Try something different tonight! The Grape is Mencia, 90. $16.95
The Big Buck selections
All of these are best held for a number of years or decanted for a few hours:
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2006 The 2006 Shiraz "G.A.M." is loved by Parker’s team 95. $54.95
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2006AC Saint-Estèphe 89-91 $48.95
PIO CESARE BARBARESCO 2004 a mostly traditional interpretation of Nebbiolo. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Score - 92. $73.95
BARONE RICASOLI CASALFERRO 2004 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that spent 18 months in French oak. - 90. $39.95
CA'MARCANDA PROMIS 2006 Ca'Marcanda is Angelo Gaja's winemaking venture in Tuscany's coastal region of Maremma. Mini-cult wine, too expensive - 90. $49.95
FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003- always 89-90 points- usually a more fruit forward rendition of Brunello. 89. $48.95
I CASTEI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2004 - nice amarone - 91 $44.95
OPUS ONE 2005 Napa Valley – Are you kidding me?!? In this economy? $359.95
RIDGE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATE 2005 – Always good $59.95
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Another Sale this weekend - with a few real goodies!
Get to your friendly local Vintages website for a summary of the items on sale. There is one WS Top 100 wine in the list and a few very good wines that are now marked down to more realistic prices!
My top picks from the list are:
Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras 2005 - WS top100, organic, Southern Rhone, no oak, a beaut!
Onix Fusio 2006 - Grenache/ tempranillo blend from Priorat in Spain
and then it's a tie among the two CdPs, the Brunello, another Spanish one, a couple of Northern Rhones, some Amarones and on and on.....
My top picks from the list are:
Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras 2005 - WS top100, organic, Southern Rhone, no oak, a beaut!
Onix Fusio 2006 - Grenache/ tempranillo blend from Priorat in Spain
and then it's a tie among the two CdPs, the Brunello, another Spanish one, a couple of Northern Rhones, some Amarones and on and on.....
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The January 31 Release – 90 point wine focus
Let’s preface today’s reviews with the statement that any of the 90 point wines in this release should give you great pleasure. The focus of my suggestions among these 90 pointers will be those that bring something special to the table – tremendous value, cult status, or maybe they just really appeal to my tastebuds…and, since it’s my blog I can get away with that!
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2006 – Probably the best value in the release! Get it quick, it’ll be gone. Ready for immediate consumption! This is one worth buying by the case. The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70-100 year old Garnacha vineyards. $15.95
3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia – Probably the best QPR among the Shiraz in this release. $23.95
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, A triple gold winner in 2007 at the Perth Royal Wine Show, the Barossa Wine Show and The Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Deep colour; unashamedly full-bodied with masses of blackberry fruit and firm but ripe tannins; good oak and great length. Cork, not screwcap!. - 94. (James Halliday – remember James scores are usually 3 or 4 points too high but still) $21.95
TURKEY FLAT BUTCHER'S BLOCK RED 2006 – An Aussie Rhone blend Barossa Valley, composed of 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, and 17% Mourvedre. Turkey Flat is a terrific producer – this should be great if you like GSM - bouquet of smoke, garrigue, sage, black cherry, and blueberry jam, excellent depth, and a long, pure finish. Score - 92. $23.95
DOMAINE CAZES ALTER DE CAZES 2003 AC Côtes du Roussillon Villages If this is reminiscent of a Priorat red, it should be very good indeed. It is also right in its drinking window. As a WOM (Wine of the Month) there’ll be lots, try one – if you like it, go back for more $19.95
CLOS DE SIXTE 2006 AC Lirac - Another almost covert ( in N/A) little area of the Southern Rhone, this is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. With wines like this, it’s fun to see how vintages change. I bought some of the ’05, it was a PICK in September '08 and was really good. I have one left so I’ll get one or two of this one to compare in a year - if I can hold out that long. $26.95
DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 – High scores and becoming a ‘hot’ region will kill you price wise - This wine has gone crazy. The 2004 was in the $40 range as I recall! if you tried it and the Clos de Sixte, you’d probably like the Lirac better, unless you’re holding them until 2020. $72.95
The Main release
USA
FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION CELESTIAL BLUE LABEL MALBEC 2006- at this price, stick to Argentina for your malbecs! $27.95
HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley, I really liked the 2004 and the 2005 was a better vintage but there are better buys than this one at this price. $37.95
A pair of inexpensive Cabs from Argentina – both deliver good quality – of the two, I’d try the Alamos
ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95
CHAKANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95
Chile
CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH 2006 the previous three vintages of this Syrah received scores of 90 or above from Wine Spectator. The Marques de Casa Concha line is always excellent value – their Vintages Essential Cab always has a place in my cellar. I expect good things here too. $19.95
France
CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 2005 – this could be another sleeper – don’t know the producer or region well, but the price is right, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the outstanding 2005 vintage. $14.95
A pair of Cotes du Rhone Villages from Rasteau– see last release’s notes on reading the label
DOMAINE BEAU MISTRAL RASTEAU 2006 AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Sélections Vieilles Vignes Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008) $23.95
PERRIN & FILS RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL 2006AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages This wine comes from a tiny, low-yielding vineyard in Rasteau known as L'Andéol. See the previous release for a note on reading the label. 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com,) $19.95
Italy
BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2006 is a great value ... think of it as a baby Brunello ready to drink now. 2008-2011. Score - 89. 375 mL $16.95 750 mL $28.95
BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO LE ORIGINI 2004 DOC - For lovers of Amarone, this should be a huge mouthful – but not cheap! The wine should be intense and rich with aromas of dried fruit, chocolate and vanilla bean. Enjoy this with braised ribs or roast beef or firm cheeses. $45.95
QUINTARELLI PRIMOFIORE 2005 blend of the Veneto trio: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Primofiore is packed with complex rich flavours of cherry, olives, exotic spices, and oak. Giuseppe Quintarelli designs this wine to be enjoyed much younger than most of his wines. There is a touch of Amarone added to this fresh blend for additional complexity before the wine begins its maturation in oak. As a semi cult figure, Giuseppe is not cheap though! $64.95
Spain
BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2007 Monastrell, or as it is known elsewhere, Mourvèdre, is believed to be of Spanish origin. This is dark and fruity, with cherry and plum notes on the nose, full-bodied and well-balanced. Well priced for what you’ll get but don’t expect a big Cabernet $14.95
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2006 – Probably the best value in the release! Get it quick, it’ll be gone. Ready for immediate consumption! This is one worth buying by the case. The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70-100 year old Garnacha vineyards. $15.95
3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia – Probably the best QPR among the Shiraz in this release. $23.95
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, A triple gold winner in 2007 at the Perth Royal Wine Show, the Barossa Wine Show and The Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Deep colour; unashamedly full-bodied with masses of blackberry fruit and firm but ripe tannins; good oak and great length. Cork, not screwcap!. - 94. (James Halliday – remember James scores are usually 3 or 4 points too high but still) $21.95
TURKEY FLAT BUTCHER'S BLOCK RED 2006 – An Aussie Rhone blend Barossa Valley, composed of 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, and 17% Mourvedre. Turkey Flat is a terrific producer – this should be great if you like GSM - bouquet of smoke, garrigue, sage, black cherry, and blueberry jam, excellent depth, and a long, pure finish. Score - 92. $23.95
DOMAINE CAZES ALTER DE CAZES 2003 AC Côtes du Roussillon Villages If this is reminiscent of a Priorat red, it should be very good indeed. It is also right in its drinking window. As a WOM (Wine of the Month) there’ll be lots, try one – if you like it, go back for more $19.95
CLOS DE SIXTE 2006 AC Lirac - Another almost covert ( in N/A) little area of the Southern Rhone, this is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. With wines like this, it’s fun to see how vintages change. I bought some of the ’05, it was a PICK in September '08 and was really good. I have one left so I’ll get one or two of this one to compare in a year - if I can hold out that long. $26.95
DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 – High scores and becoming a ‘hot’ region will kill you price wise - This wine has gone crazy. The 2004 was in the $40 range as I recall! if you tried it and the Clos de Sixte, you’d probably like the Lirac better, unless you’re holding them until 2020. $72.95
The Main release
USA
FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION CELESTIAL BLUE LABEL MALBEC 2006- at this price, stick to Argentina for your malbecs! $27.95
HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley, I really liked the 2004 and the 2005 was a better vintage but there are better buys than this one at this price. $37.95
A pair of inexpensive Cabs from Argentina – both deliver good quality – of the two, I’d try the Alamos
ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95
CHAKANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95
Chile
CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH 2006 the previous three vintages of this Syrah received scores of 90 or above from Wine Spectator. The Marques de Casa Concha line is always excellent value – their Vintages Essential Cab always has a place in my cellar. I expect good things here too. $19.95
France
CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 2005 – this could be another sleeper – don’t know the producer or region well, but the price is right, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the outstanding 2005 vintage. $14.95
A pair of Cotes du Rhone Villages from Rasteau– see last release’s notes on reading the label
DOMAINE BEAU MISTRAL RASTEAU 2006 AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Sélections Vieilles Vignes Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008) $23.95
PERRIN & FILS RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL 2006AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages This wine comes from a tiny, low-yielding vineyard in Rasteau known as L'Andéol. See the previous release for a note on reading the label. 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com,) $19.95
Italy
BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2006 is a great value ... think of it as a baby Brunello ready to drink now. 2008-2011. Score - 89. 375 mL $16.95 750 mL $28.95
BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO LE ORIGINI 2004 DOC - For lovers of Amarone, this should be a huge mouthful – but not cheap! The wine should be intense and rich with aromas of dried fruit, chocolate and vanilla bean. Enjoy this with braised ribs or roast beef or firm cheeses. $45.95
QUINTARELLI PRIMOFIORE 2005 blend of the Veneto trio: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Primofiore is packed with complex rich flavours of cherry, olives, exotic spices, and oak. Giuseppe Quintarelli designs this wine to be enjoyed much younger than most of his wines. There is a touch of Amarone added to this fresh blend for additional complexity before the wine begins its maturation in oak. As a semi cult figure, Giuseppe is not cheap though! $64.95
Spain
BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2007 Monastrell, or as it is known elsewhere, Mourvèdre, is believed to be of Spanish origin. This is dark and fruity, with cherry and plum notes on the nose, full-bodied and well-balanced. Well priced for what you’ll get but don’t expect a big Cabernet $14.95
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A quickie tasting note - Montes Alpha 2006
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.
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.
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