Hmmm, another really good release. Nice to see the focus on Ontario wines but I’ll skip them to take a more worldly view of things.
This release has some terrific Portuguese wines (especially three from the Douro), a good group of Aussies, a pair of Spaniards, one or two from both Chile and Argentina, a bargain or two from the south of France, another spectacular Italian section (especially Tuscany) and even a few from California, although a couple of them are big dollars compared to the value of what is in the bottle. The Tuscans especially reflect the pull back in the American economy I think. Prior to the 2008 meltdown many of the big guns in this and the previous release would have been snapped up in huge numbers by our friends south of the border. As a result the reduced availabilities would have commanded a pretty penny. Instead there are now more widely available inventories of great quality and values from 2 excellent vintages. Could it be that the far east is focused on buying Bordeaux while ignoring other old world wine producing nations? Maybe, but if so it’s to our benefit.
Enough global financial discussions – we’re here for the vino!
Once again, it was very difficult to pick a Top 10 so flipped a coin to do a Top three by Country or a Top Three by Value. Value won!
$14 (roughly) - $20
Quinto Tedo Vinho Tinto 2007 – a Portuguese red blend that was awarded the Best Blend under £10 by Decanter. I expect a big mouthful that will accompany foods of all types very nicely. May not be to your tastes if you’re expecting a Cab or a Shiraz, but I think this’ll be terrific at $17.95.Hmmm, think Luis Figo meets Crocodile Dundee.
Paringa Shiraz 2008 – Should be a terrific mouthful of fruit.
Beronia Reserva 2006 – The ’05 recently scored a 91 in Wine Spectator and it blew out of the stores in a rush last year. More of the same here!
Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – From Western OZ so less in your face fruit than South Australia, this just squeaks under the $20 mark and is a terrific wine for the $$’s.
Callabriga 2007 – If you’re a fan of the Sogrape wines, try this one. Their Callabriga from the Dao region was a WS Top 100 wine a couple of years back and this vintage rocks. Tempranillo with a Portuguese twist.
Ben Marco Malbec – One last malbec in case a grilling opportunity pops up!
$20 to $30
Petalos from J. Palacios – Along with one of the most stylish labels in winedom this is a tasty treat. From the Bierzo region of Spain and made from the mencia grape you should expect Syrot Nache or is it Pinacheyrah. Mencia doesn't match a single grape variety, well not to my palate anyway and I really do get tastes of Syrah, hints of Pinot Noir and a dollop of Grenache. Best of all, I think it’s less expensive than last year.
San Fabiano Calcinaia Cab Sauv 2007 – A 92 point Italian Super Tuscan at $22.95. Line forms behind me thank you very much!
Fattoria di Basciano Il Corto – a very nice super Tuscan at $27.95
Giacomo Mori Castelrotto Chianti Reserva 2006 – 90 points from the traditionally stingy Galloni and at $26.95
$30 to $40
It’s not often that my three top picks of the release are in this price bracket but I know 2 of the three are for sure this time around.
Quinta Do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2007 – The 2005 was number 3 in the WS Top 100. This vintage may not finish as high but it may be a better wine. At least 5 bucks more than the ’05, reflecting the market I suppose, this is my overall pick of the release. $34.95
Viticcio Chianti Classico Reserva 2006 – Reflecting a brilliant vintage in Tuscany, this wine should be terrific as well. $34.95
Over $40
Montepeloso Eneo 2006 will be in rare supply – 149 cases of 6 only in the province – and a 95 from Galloni – best of luck finding it even at $44.95
Banfi Brunello – Always a great wine, needs some time in a cellar
Ferrari Cerano Tresor should be wonderful but way overpriced compared to many of the other options available this time around.
The ISDs?
Last release the In Store Discoveries merited their own little report. This time? Not so much. Maybe the Bishop at $34.95 but I'm taking a pass.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
September 4th - The ISD's - call it the sequel if you like.
And now for the Big Ticket ISD's for the September 4th release - some smokin' wines in very small quantities! If you like those big Aussies or those Brunellos, get there early!
Here they are in all their glory! Oh and I left off a $90 Cali Cab - just too much!
BRANSON COACH HOUSE GREENOCK BLOCK SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2004 $27.95
ST.HALLETT OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ 2006 $59.95
THORN-CLARKE WILLIAM RANDELL SHIRAZ 2005 $46.95
ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 $51.95
ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $53.95
CIACCI PICCOLOMINI D'ARAGONA VIGNA DI PIANROSSO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
Score: 94+ (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, April 2010) $63.95
IL MARRONETO MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $78.95
LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 Score: 93 (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2009) $49.95
LA SERENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 Score:94(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com) $68.95
SAN FILIPPO LE LUCÉRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $49.95
VERBENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $39.95
Here they are in all their glory! Oh and I left off a $90 Cali Cab - just too much!
BRANSON COACH HOUSE GREENOCK BLOCK SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2004 $27.95
ST.HALLETT OLD BLOCK SHIRAZ 2006 $59.95
THORN-CLARKE WILLIAM RANDELL SHIRAZ 2005 $46.95
ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 $51.95
ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $53.95
CIACCI PICCOLOMINI D'ARAGONA VIGNA DI PIANROSSO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
Score: 94+ (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, April 2010) $63.95
IL MARRONETO MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $78.95
LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 Score: 93 (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2009) $49.95
LA SERENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 Score:94(James Suckling, www.winespectator.com) $68.95
SAN FILIPPO LE LUCÉRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $49.95
VERBENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 $39.95
Monday, August 30, 2010
September 4th - Non Cottage Owners get their revenge!
If you don't own a cottage it means you're probably stuck in the city for the Labour Day weekend. The good news is all your cottage owning buddies are out of town, missing out on all the LCBO locations that the city has to offer.
This is a superior release, overall the best one in some time by our friends at the monopoly. I’ve listed my selections geographically, in order of preference for each region, not in order of preference overall. Why? Because I am completely at a loss to pick MY top 5 or even 10 from this release! It looks to be just that good.
It’s full of bargains for the short term, interesting well priced big boys for the midterm and excluding the ISD's even the top priced wines are not bank breakers but are built for the long term. The Southern Rhone 2007 focus has at the very least a half a dozen very good wines; there are three from BC that would be good picks for an East vs. West Canada Showdown and may show Ontarians what to expect from the 2009 Ontario vintage if it continues; OZ has a quartet of dandies between $16 and $24, and Italy has 5 beauties that almost get lost among the many choices available!
That’s 18 already and I haven’t mentioned the ones-y's from Argentina, Chile, NZ, SA, and a not bad Spanish duet! And I have not listed the In Store Discoveries…they’ll rate their own little epistle! Some great wines among the ISDs, but $KA-CHING$! Where’s my piggy bank?!!!?
Focus on the Southern Rhone
PERRIN & FILS PEYRE BLANCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE 2007 $17.95
PROMENADE DES PRINCES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU 2007 $12.95 – just north from CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE and look at the price!
PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE MACHOTTE GIGONDAS 2007 $22.95
LES HAUTS DE CASTELLAS VACQUEYRAS 2007 $18.95
VIGNERONS DE GIGONDAS LA FONT DES GRIÈRES GIGONDAS 2007 $21.95
LES VIGNERONS DE VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $12.95
GRANDES SERRES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2007 $14.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT MAURICE LES GRÈS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES LAUDUN 2007 $`14.95
RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $12.95
CUVÉE DU COMTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $15.95
DOMAINE DE L’ECHEVIN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGEs SAINT MAURICE 2007 $16.95
DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $15.95
The Big $ ones from the RhoneDOMAINE DU HAUT DES TERRES BLANCHES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 $36.95
PERRIN & FILS LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF DU- PAPE 2007 $19.95 – remember this is the half bottle size!
DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF DU-PAPE 2007 $32.95
Canada Okanagan
SANDHILL SMALL LOTS ONE 2007 $34.95 – I really enjoy the Sandhill wines Small Lots Bordeaux blends. I like them as well as Osoyoos Larose or Nota Bene and would match this against any Meritage blend from Ontario - bar none.
CEDAR CREEK ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 $23.95 - Almost as good as the Sandhill at less $$$'s - worth hunting down!
SANDHILL CABERNET/MERLOT 2008 $19.95
Niagara
MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95
USA
HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $33.95
Argentina
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2007 San Rafael, Mendoza $14.95
Chile
CHATEAU LOS BOLDOS VIEILLES VIGNES MERLOT 2007 $18.95
OZ
GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER’S RESERVE SHIRAZ 2005 $23.95
YALUMBA BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2008 $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA CUVÉE 2007 Barossa, South Australia
A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Mundus Vini International Wine Awards.
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 - Both at $15.95
NZ
SILENI CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $15.95 – probably a better buy than Guilty Men.
SA
RUSTENBERG BRAMPTON SHIRAZ 2007 $15.95 – Well priced now.
Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS 2006 $21.95
Northern Rhone
DELAS DOMAINE DES GRANDS CHEMINS CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $21.95 – not highlighted in the Southern Rhone part of the release, this should be a terrific syrah from the Northern Rhone.
Italy
Some fantastic wines here - the WS Top 100 #5 and #46 (at less than half the price of #5!)
BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 $54.95
I GREPPI GREPPICANTE BOLGHERI 2007 #46 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009. $23.95
DA VINCI CHIANTI 2007 $16.95
TENIMENTI ANGELINI TRE ROSE VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2006 $21.95
MARZIANO ABBONA TERLO RAVERA BAROLO 2005 $36.95 – Good price for a Barolo – we have to get our heads around the strength of the Cdn $ versus the Euro!
Spain
BERONIA ELABORACIÓN ESPECIAL TEMPRANILLO 2008 $15.95
TORRES CELESTE 2006 DOC Ribera del Duero $19.95
This is a superior release, overall the best one in some time by our friends at the monopoly. I’ve listed my selections geographically, in order of preference for each region, not in order of preference overall. Why? Because I am completely at a loss to pick MY top 5 or even 10 from this release! It looks to be just that good.
It’s full of bargains for the short term, interesting well priced big boys for the midterm and excluding the ISD's even the top priced wines are not bank breakers but are built for the long term. The Southern Rhone 2007 focus has at the very least a half a dozen very good wines; there are three from BC that would be good picks for an East vs. West Canada Showdown and may show Ontarians what to expect from the 2009 Ontario vintage if it continues; OZ has a quartet of dandies between $16 and $24, and Italy has 5 beauties that almost get lost among the many choices available!
That’s 18 already and I haven’t mentioned the ones-y's from Argentina, Chile, NZ, SA, and a not bad Spanish duet! And I have not listed the In Store Discoveries…they’ll rate their own little epistle! Some great wines among the ISDs, but $KA-CHING$! Where’s my piggy bank?!!!?
Focus on the Southern Rhone
PERRIN & FILS PEYRE BLANCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE 2007 $17.95
PROMENADE DES PRINCES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU 2007 $12.95 – just north from CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE and look at the price!
PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE MACHOTTE GIGONDAS 2007 $22.95
LES HAUTS DE CASTELLAS VACQUEYRAS 2007 $18.95
VIGNERONS DE GIGONDAS LA FONT DES GRIÈRES GIGONDAS 2007 $21.95
LES VIGNERONS DE VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $12.95
GRANDES SERRES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2007 $14.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT MAURICE LES GRÈS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES LAUDUN 2007 $`14.95
RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $12.95
CUVÉE DU COMTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $15.95
DOMAINE DE L’ECHEVIN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGEs SAINT MAURICE 2007 $16.95
DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $15.95
The Big $ ones from the RhoneDOMAINE DU HAUT DES TERRES BLANCHES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 $36.95
PERRIN & FILS LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF DU- PAPE 2007 $19.95 – remember this is the half bottle size!
DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF DU-PAPE 2007 $32.95
Canada Okanagan
SANDHILL SMALL LOTS ONE 2007 $34.95 – I really enjoy the Sandhill wines Small Lots Bordeaux blends. I like them as well as Osoyoos Larose or Nota Bene and would match this against any Meritage blend from Ontario - bar none.
CEDAR CREEK ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 $23.95 - Almost as good as the Sandhill at less $$$'s - worth hunting down!
SANDHILL CABERNET/MERLOT 2008 $19.95
Niagara
MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95
USA
HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $33.95
Argentina
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2007 San Rafael, Mendoza $14.95
Chile
CHATEAU LOS BOLDOS VIEILLES VIGNES MERLOT 2007 $18.95
OZ
GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER’S RESERVE SHIRAZ 2005 $23.95
YALUMBA BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2008 $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA CUVÉE 2007 Barossa, South Australia
A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Mundus Vini International Wine Awards.
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 - Both at $15.95
NZ
SILENI CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $15.95 – probably a better buy than Guilty Men.
SA
RUSTENBERG BRAMPTON SHIRAZ 2007 $15.95 – Well priced now.
Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS 2006 $21.95
Northern Rhone
DELAS DOMAINE DES GRANDS CHEMINS CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $21.95 – not highlighted in the Southern Rhone part of the release, this should be a terrific syrah from the Northern Rhone.
Italy
Some fantastic wines here - the WS Top 100 #5 and #46 (at less than half the price of #5!)
BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 $54.95
I GREPPI GREPPICANTE BOLGHERI 2007 #46 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009. $23.95
DA VINCI CHIANTI 2007 $16.95
TENIMENTI ANGELINI TRE ROSE VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2006 $21.95
MARZIANO ABBONA TERLO RAVERA BAROLO 2005 $36.95 – Good price for a Barolo – we have to get our heads around the strength of the Cdn $ versus the Euro!
Spain
BERONIA ELABORACIÓN ESPECIAL TEMPRANILLO 2008 $15.95
TORRES CELESTE 2006 DOC Ribera del Duero $19.95
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
August 21st release - take a week off and wait for Sept 04th
There’s not a lot to get me excited this release. I would wait for the next one unless you see something that really catches your tastebuds. We truly are in the dog days of summer at the LCBO!
Argentina – Red
Alamos 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95) – Always a good price for the quality that’s in the bottle.
Finca el Origen Reserva Malbec @14.95 and the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec @$19.95 are both terrific examples of Malbec, but I'm malbec'd out. Don't let that stop you though.
Argentina – White …
Accuro 2009 Torrentes ($14.95) – Bored with Chards and Sauv Blancs? Argentina’s signature white wine – try it you might like it.
Australia – Red …
Two Hands 2008 Brave Face Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro ($24.95) – Big Alcohol, but usually a terrific producer.’08 was a difficult year in Oz but I would expect dark fruits, hints of pepper on the finish and perhaps some coffee and raspberry ganache after it’s open for a while. All that said, you might be better off to try to find the Rolf Binder Halliwell 2007 Shiraz Grenache that recently went on sale at $20.20 – a better vintage and less $$’s. I tried a bottle last weekend and there was a lot going on - initial hit was currants, licorice, spice then a subtle meaty, almost sausagey taste on the back of the palate. That left with air to be replaced with vanilla, blackberries and more spices.
There are a few good Aussie entries this week, just nothing that really turned my crank.
France – the Rhone
Chateau de Beaucastel 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($84.95) – Massive, cellar worthy, make that cellar necessary!!! wine. Wait for as many years as you can – tremendous vintage – too bad it’s too expensive.
Perrin & Fils 2007 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95) – if you liked the Vinsobres, you’ll like this!
From the Midi, a couple a cheap and cheerful ones, Domaine La Paraza Minervois 2007 and the Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs CAbardes 2008 at $13.95 and $14.95 each.
The Cotes Du Rhone - Yes it's an '07, but I read Michael Pinkus's review that indicated one bottle was terrible while a second was terrific. To quote him, "look for the one with the winery name stacked on the label, not the words all in a row. Juicy and intense with lots of black fruit and licorice."
Italy
Rendola 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($36.95 - #0181412) – ’04 Brunellos under $40 – try one. If you must open, decant it.
There is a rerelease of the '06 Monte Antico - these rereleases are always buyer beware, as you may not be getting the real good stuff any longer. But, that said, this was a WS Top 100 wine and for $15, it's worth a try.
Argentina – Red
Alamos 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95) – Always a good price for the quality that’s in the bottle.
Finca el Origen Reserva Malbec @14.95 and the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec @$19.95 are both terrific examples of Malbec, but I'm malbec'd out. Don't let that stop you though.
Argentina – White …
Accuro 2009 Torrentes ($14.95) – Bored with Chards and Sauv Blancs? Argentina’s signature white wine – try it you might like it.
Australia – Red …
Two Hands 2008 Brave Face Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro ($24.95) – Big Alcohol, but usually a terrific producer.’08 was a difficult year in Oz but I would expect dark fruits, hints of pepper on the finish and perhaps some coffee and raspberry ganache after it’s open for a while. All that said, you might be better off to try to find the Rolf Binder Halliwell 2007 Shiraz Grenache that recently went on sale at $20.20 – a better vintage and less $$’s. I tried a bottle last weekend and there was a lot going on - initial hit was currants, licorice, spice then a subtle meaty, almost sausagey taste on the back of the palate. That left with air to be replaced with vanilla, blackberries and more spices.
There are a few good Aussie entries this week, just nothing that really turned my crank.
France – the Rhone
Chateau de Beaucastel 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($84.95) – Massive, cellar worthy, make that cellar necessary!!! wine. Wait for as many years as you can – tremendous vintage – too bad it’s too expensive.
Perrin & Fils 2007 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95) – if you liked the Vinsobres, you’ll like this!
From the Midi, a couple a cheap and cheerful ones, Domaine La Paraza Minervois 2007 and the Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs CAbardes 2008 at $13.95 and $14.95 each.
The Cotes Du Rhone - Yes it's an '07, but I read Michael Pinkus's review that indicated one bottle was terrible while a second was terrific. To quote him, "look for the one with the winery name stacked on the label, not the words all in a row. Juicy and intense with lots of black fruit and licorice."
Italy
Rendola 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($36.95 - #0181412) – ’04 Brunellos under $40 – try one. If you must open, decant it.
There is a rerelease of the '06 Monte Antico - these rereleases are always buyer beware, as you may not be getting the real good stuff any longer. But, that said, this was a WS Top 100 wine and for $15, it's worth a try.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 06 Release - Southern Italy that should be Californian
An interesting release. Once again the LCBO Marketers have missed the mark or is that confused the marks? Based on the pricing, The Southern Italian release that they have come up with is better suited to an early January timeframe although perhaps they're aiming for the summer BBQ and dock sitters. The pinkies in this one cover that well though. Content wise, this struck me more as a California red release.
Southern Italy – bargoons abound!
Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 DOC Copertino Rosso $16.95 – Baby brother to the Apollonio that I highly praised some months back, this is worth a try.
Francesco Minini ‘Corte Dei Mori Nero d’Avola’ 2008 IGT Sicilia $13.95 – A Sicilian worth trying, especially for their signature red grape, Nero D’Avola.
Francesco Minini ‘Terre Avare’ Primitivo di Manduria 2008 DOC Primitivo di Manduria $12.95 – Zin fans, give this one a shot.
Rocca Delle Macie ‘Rubizzo’ Sangiovese Di Toscana 2008 IGT Toscana $14.95 – Just a nice simple red. Pizza, spaghetti, quaffer.
CaliforniaAs usual, the California selections all come in from $30 and up to just under $100
Kenwood ‘Jack London Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
J. Lohr ‘Hilltop Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Shafer ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Stolpman Estates Syrah 2007 – a new opportunity to try this Californian syrah. If it was from OZ it’d be a few bucks less probably, but hang the expense!
ChileConcha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008 Maipo Valley $14.95
Oz
Shingleback Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95. There are some good Shiraz in the release, this is the one I think’ll be the best.
France
Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $39.95 – I’m sure we’re starting to get near to the end of the releases of the terrific ’07 CNdPs. This’ll be a good one for the cellar or if you must drink it, decant this for a long time and try to avoid it whispering “Try me now, try me now” over and over to you!
Spain
Torres ‘San Valentín’ Garnacha 2008 DO Viñedos de España $13.95 – Cheap and Cheerful for Grenache fans.
Southern Italy – bargoons abound!
Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 DOC Copertino Rosso $16.95 – Baby brother to the Apollonio that I highly praised some months back, this is worth a try.
Francesco Minini ‘Corte Dei Mori Nero d’Avola’ 2008 IGT Sicilia $13.95 – A Sicilian worth trying, especially for their signature red grape, Nero D’Avola.
Francesco Minini ‘Terre Avare’ Primitivo di Manduria 2008 DOC Primitivo di Manduria $12.95 – Zin fans, give this one a shot.
Rocca Delle Macie ‘Rubizzo’ Sangiovese Di Toscana 2008 IGT Toscana $14.95 – Just a nice simple red. Pizza, spaghetti, quaffer.
CaliforniaAs usual, the California selections all come in from $30 and up to just under $100
Kenwood ‘Jack London Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
J. Lohr ‘Hilltop Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Shafer ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Stolpman Estates Syrah 2007 – a new opportunity to try this Californian syrah. If it was from OZ it’d be a few bucks less probably, but hang the expense!
ChileConcha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008 Maipo Valley $14.95
Oz
Shingleback Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95. There are some good Shiraz in the release, this is the one I think’ll be the best.
France
Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $39.95 – I’m sure we’re starting to get near to the end of the releases of the terrific ’07 CNdPs. This’ll be a good one for the cellar or if you must drink it, decant this for a long time and try to avoid it whispering “Try me now, try me now” over and over to you!
Spain
Torres ‘San Valentín’ Garnacha 2008 DO Viñedos de España $13.95 – Cheap and Cheerful for Grenache fans.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Back from BC, too late to preview the July 24th release!
Back from BC
Ahhh the return from the annual pilgrimage to the west coast left us longing for no humidity, sunny warm days and a 2009 Pinot Grigio ( No eye rolling please!) from a delightful Vancouver Island Winery called Averill Creek. This was the first release from what was a terrific 2009 season on the Island last year and it is a super cool climate wine.
The winery is just north of Duncan and has a terrific view down the east cost of the island, overlooking part of Saltspring and down into the Saanich Inlet. They have a picnic license which means you can bring your food and they’ll provide their wines for you to enjoy with it while you soak up that west coast view!
Highlights – too many pink wines to mention, Averill Creek, N’Kmip’s Meritage, the expression of my brother’s face when he bought a 5 litre bottle of 2006 Pinot Noir from Alderlea and the joy on my Mom’s face looking down on the view and flowers at Averill Creek.
Lowlights – The BCLDB makes Ontario’s LCBO seem almost philanthropic with some of their prices and the few private stores do not seem to have had a huge impact on variety nor prices. Small price to pay to live in heaven on earth I suppose!
All this said, I missed a release and while I thought about giving my picks, it seemed anticlimactic and some were picked by a number of well respected wine journalists, so maybe I’ll just give you their top choices. Gord Stimmell liked the Pirramimma Cab Sauv, the Genesis Merlot from Hogue in Washington St. and the Walk on the Wild Side Shiraz. I’m not sure I’d have picked that one, but the Hogue will be similar to the Columbia Crest merlot that used to be a Vintages essential.
From the South of France, Beppi Crossariol in the Globe liked the two from Perrin ( but if you buy the Coudulet de Beaucastel, let this breathe for a long time – it’s close to Chateauneuf in price and style, the Vinsobres is more ready to drink immediately and a past pick), Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires Macération 2007, and the Domaine des Aures Hautes Minervois La Livinière 2007 among others.
Happy Hunting!
Ahhh the return from the annual pilgrimage to the west coast left us longing for no humidity, sunny warm days and a 2009 Pinot Grigio ( No eye rolling please!) from a delightful Vancouver Island Winery called Averill Creek. This was the first release from what was a terrific 2009 season on the Island last year and it is a super cool climate wine.
The winery is just north of Duncan and has a terrific view down the east cost of the island, overlooking part of Saltspring and down into the Saanich Inlet. They have a picnic license which means you can bring your food and they’ll provide their wines for you to enjoy with it while you soak up that west coast view!
Highlights – too many pink wines to mention, Averill Creek, N’Kmip’s Meritage, the expression of my brother’s face when he bought a 5 litre bottle of 2006 Pinot Noir from Alderlea and the joy on my Mom’s face looking down on the view and flowers at Averill Creek.
Lowlights – The BCLDB makes Ontario’s LCBO seem almost philanthropic with some of their prices and the few private stores do not seem to have had a huge impact on variety nor prices. Small price to pay to live in heaven on earth I suppose!
All this said, I missed a release and while I thought about giving my picks, it seemed anticlimactic and some were picked by a number of well respected wine journalists, so maybe I’ll just give you their top choices. Gord Stimmell liked the Pirramimma Cab Sauv, the Genesis Merlot from Hogue in Washington St. and the Walk on the Wild Side Shiraz. I’m not sure I’d have picked that one, but the Hogue will be similar to the Columbia Crest merlot that used to be a Vintages essential.
From the South of France, Beppi Crossariol in the Globe liked the two from Perrin ( but if you buy the Coudulet de Beaucastel, let this breathe for a long time – it’s close to Chateauneuf in price and style, the Vinsobres is more ready to drink immediately and a past pick), Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires Macération 2007, and the Domaine des Aures Hautes Minervois La Livinière 2007 among others.
Happy Hunting!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Vintages July 10th release
The July 10th release has a few goodies but nothing to induce self flagellation if you miss it! A couple of whites from New Zealand should be very good followed by a number of very reasonably priced reds from around the globe. Enjoy!
KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS 2009 $19.95 Always terrific.
ASTROLABE VOYAGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95 Fresh, crisp, more fruit than some of the grassier SB’s from New Zealand. I think the points in the review are too high, but it’ll be terrific with anything that swims.
LA BASTIDE SAINT VINCENT PAVANE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $21.95 AC My pick of the release. Score: 91 (Josh Raynolds)
BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2005 DOCa Rioja, Spain $15.95 A food pairing wonder that is a very good value too - that pretty much says it all. A Wine & Spirits“Best Buy of 2009,” 90 points
SANTA EMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $14.95 Maipo Valley – Reads like a typical Maipo profile and should be very good for a year or so. James Molesworth’s palate matches up with mine pretty well but he tried this a year and a half ago : 90 (James Molesworth )
ALAMOS MALBEC 2008 $13.95 Grill me something, quick!
IGNACIO MARIN VIÑA ANGELA GRAN RESERVA 2001 $19.95 Try this one with a Las Rocas to see how the latter might age. Remember this has almost 9 years on it, so you won’t be buying for the long term but it should be nice for a bottle or two.
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2008 $14.95 A good buy for Grenache lovers. Might not be quite up to last year’s Full bodied, textured with gorgeous aromas of kirsch,raspberry, pepper and licorice..” Wine Advocate, 88 points
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2008, $13.95 Perennially a Parker fave, should be good for the price.
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E-MINOR SHIRAZ 2008 $17.95 Baby brother to Black Pepper and Ebeneezer, if you like that big Barossa fruit bomb style this is a terrific buy.
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 $15.00 Great vintage, terrific value
3 beaujolais – for you fans
GEORGES DUBOEUF LA TRINQUÉE JULIÉNAS 2008 AC Score: 90 (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2009) $16.95
JEAN-PAUL BRUN TERRES DORÉES MOULIN-À-VENT 2008 AC $19.95
LOUIS JADOT CHÂTEAU DES LUMIÈRES MORGON 2007 $22.95
KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS 2009 $19.95 Always terrific.
ASTROLABE VOYAGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95 Fresh, crisp, more fruit than some of the grassier SB’s from New Zealand. I think the points in the review are too high, but it’ll be terrific with anything that swims.
LA BASTIDE SAINT VINCENT PAVANE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $21.95 AC My pick of the release. Score: 91 (Josh Raynolds)
BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2005 DOCa Rioja, Spain $15.95 A food pairing wonder that is a very good value too - that pretty much says it all. A Wine & Spirits“Best Buy of 2009,” 90 points
SANTA EMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $14.95 Maipo Valley – Reads like a typical Maipo profile and should be very good for a year or so. James Molesworth’s palate matches up with mine pretty well but he tried this a year and a half ago : 90 (James Molesworth )
ALAMOS MALBEC 2008 $13.95 Grill me something, quick!
IGNACIO MARIN VIÑA ANGELA GRAN RESERVA 2001 $19.95 Try this one with a Las Rocas to see how the latter might age. Remember this has almost 9 years on it, so you won’t be buying for the long term but it should be nice for a bottle or two.
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2008 $14.95 A good buy for Grenache lovers. Might not be quite up to last year’s Full bodied, textured with gorgeous aromas of kirsch,raspberry, pepper and licorice..” Wine Advocate, 88 points
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2008, $13.95 Perennially a Parker fave, should be good for the price.
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E-MINOR SHIRAZ 2008 $17.95 Baby brother to Black Pepper and Ebeneezer, if you like that big Barossa fruit bomb style this is a terrific buy.
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 $15.00 Great vintage, terrific value
3 beaujolais – for you fans
GEORGES DUBOEUF LA TRINQUÉE JULIÉNAS 2008 AC Score: 90 (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2009) $16.95
JEAN-PAUL BRUN TERRES DORÉES MOULIN-À-VENT 2008 AC $19.95
LOUIS JADOT CHÂTEAU DES LUMIÈRES MORGON 2007 $22.95
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