January 24th Vintages, these really are the dog days of winter!

First off, let’s take a quick look at the LCBO Vintages email for this release. It indicates that this week will have Superstars from Argentina and Chile but looking at the selection, these are the Dave Clarksons of South American wine, not the Sidney Crosbys. Buyer beware!

This week does have very few good options  below $20 but if you’re willing to spend more than $30, then there are a few worthy of your attention. Spain continues to be a source of well priced age worthy reds but not many here excite me. It’s not the only country represented in my choices though. France, Italy and the USA all earn mentions in the sub $30 range but not for the right reasons. There are a trio of  higher priced wines that will provide real pleasure for you.

El Molar 2011 - $17.95- Want a wine that you can sink your teeth in to? This is it. (Oh I kill myself sometimes!)  From Spain, this is among the better ones available.

Casas del Bosque Gran Reserva Syrah 2012 – Very nice Chilean syrah from the Casablanca Valley. Here’s looking at you kid.

Zonte’s Footsteps The Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2012 - $17.95 – Hate the producer’s name and the names they call their wines but the wines produced are first rate.

Hedges CMS -$19.95 – Too expensive really, but good nonetheless. Should be $17.95.

Vignobles de Balma-Venitia Cuvee St. Roch Vacqueyras 2011 - $24.95 – A new one for me, but I’ll try it. I like this village in the Southern Rhone.

Chateau Haut –Monplaisir Malbec 2011 -$17.95 –Want to compare a French malbec to the recently released Zolo from Argentina? Here it is, but leave it alone for a few years and serve it alongside something charred, yet red and bloody. Perhaps an earlier season  Game of Thrones episode?

Durigutti Cabernet Sauvignon  2010 - $19.95 – 2 bucks more than the Ravenswood, this is a better buy!

Ravenswood Cabernet Sauvignon $17.95 – Usually a well priced example of non Napa Cali fruit, this is nowhere near past examples but is an OK $13.00 wine.  Too bad it’s priced 5 bucks above that.

Big Bucks

Luca Malbec 32.95 – From Laura Catena and this year it made it to #19 in the the WS Top 100. The Luca brand is nestled above the Catena brand  in the upper middle of their marketing scheme and is quite excellent. Their  Chardonnay has been  one of my favourites for quite some time as well. This is as close to a superstar as there is in the release!

Gemma Barolo 2010 - $29.95 – Looking for a Barolo but don’t want to break the bank? Here’s another one hot on the heels of last release’s $32  one.

Chateau Fortia Cuvee du Baron Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 - $39.95 – If you have 5 years and a quiet dark place, this is the wine to buy.

January 10th 2015 Release - Cheapies

January 10^th and the new year starts with the traditional Vintages Smart Buy issue. In many cases you will be further ahead to watch for upcoming price reductions on higher quality, slower moving in store items than to buy from this collection. Which reminds me, as a tax paying citizen why do I have to rely on my local Vintages consultant to put up sales item signage when items are discontinued? Why can’t I find out the week or two before? Given ample patience and a few clever search keys, we used to be able to search the LCBO B2B website to freely see upcoming delists the week before the reductions took effect. At least then we were free to strategize our shopping to pick up the few true LCBO bargains available. (This has to be one of the few times where free, bargain, and the LCBO are used in the same sentence). But for at least a year now, my government’s retail monopoly has chosen to hide that info behind its firewalls. The info seems to be made available to a select few. Some websites seem to be able find the info and then use it as a carrot to sell access and to make a profit. Hmmm, they get access to the info and sell it to make a profit while you and I can’t access it to save ourselves a few measly bucks.  Life with the LCBO, ain’t it grand?

The RED selections

Poggio al Tuffo Rompicollo 2011 -$17.00 – Interesting how two reviewers can differ on a wine. Wine Advocate scored this one 87 points, Wine Spectator  92 points. Both reviews are positive but if your palate matches the WS reviewer’s then this is a well priced WS Top 100 wine.

Zolo Reserva Malbec 2011 – Another 2014 WS Top 100 wine but the LCBO had chosen to stealth release this one for some reason. At $17.95 you can do a lot worse, especially if you’re serving rare, grilled red meat on a platter.

Columbia Crest H3 Merlot - $19.95 – Consistently very good if you like ‘em woody (lots of oak).

Concha Y Toro  Serie Riberas Cabernet Sauvignon - $17.95 – A well scored, well priced, bargain from one of Chile’s  premier producers across all price points. Look for green and brown aromas and flavours  backing up dark purple fruits.

Puig – Parahy Cuvee Georges 2011- $16.95 – New to me and with a very interesting review from David Schildknecht, this seem like it’s worth a try – a red wine with Shrimp on the nose and Swiss Chard on the palate. Hmmm.

The White selections

Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc $14.95 – tasty and a change from Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Wakefield from Oz and See Ya Later Ranch chardonnay from the Okanagan. Both under $18.

Big Bucks

Barolo – La Pieve - $31.95 –2010 – Perhaps one of the better Barolo vintages on record, some Barolophiles have been ignoring the last few vintages awaiting this one. Remember what I said about the 2010 vintage in the Southern Rhone? Well, it now applies to Barolo. This is not for immediate consumption though. Even at almost 5 years of age, this’ll enjoy a few more years in a quiet, dark place.

Vintages Release Report December 6, 2014 - we hit 50,000 page views!

Thanks to all the readers out there. This week we surpassed the 50,000 visitors mark. 

  

Here we are – the final  Vintages release of the year. The previous release had some very tempting entries and if you broke your bank to buy some of them you may be disappointed in yourself this time around. I must say it was almost worth a paid admission last week to see the folks lined up at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning for the 2010 Pontet Canet @ $250 and the Faustino 1 at about $40!  Ahhhh,  first world problems, aren’t they grand?

Back to this release, there are some well priced wines in this one. Argentina and South Africa lead the charge among the reds. Two malbecs - One under $20 and the other at almost $40 look very good as do the two South African blends.  After that, I’ll leave the selections to your palate. Any and all of the wines listed below should bring you pleasure. 

REDS

ARGENTINA – Bring on the medium rare prime rib for any of the following 4 – if you’re in the market for a malbec, this is the order I’d pick them in

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2012   1199 $19.95 – Balbo has been a fave for quite some time and a real rarity in the macho world of Argentina winemaking.

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2011   647 cases $18.95 

CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2011   630 cases $21.95 – Michel Rolland’s (and 6 others ) investment has taken on some age now. 

CICCHITTI GRAN RESERVA MALBEC 2004  300 cases $22.95 – Note the year, this has some age on it now and an old review from the no longer active Jay Miller.

SOUTH AFRICA

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2011    167  cases $19.95 – A WS Top 100 Pick this year, this is always a pleasant wine. A fine Bordeaux blend for prime rib, there are so many from which to choose this week but this was among my top picks.

ERNIE ELS BIG EASY 2012 279 cases $19.95 – A kitchen sink blend with Rhone varieties sharing centre stage with Cabernet Sauvignon.

MIDI

DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2012 (M. Chapoutier)   913 cases $24.95- Lots going on here. Black fruit, licorice,  some herbiness. Needs some time to let it all settle down and then will be excellent . It’ll age like a Gigondas given the right cellar climate.

AUSTRALIA

DOMAINE TERLATO & CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2012   1199 cases $23.95 – Another of Chapoutier’s global wine holdings, not so in your face as the Dandelion.

DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ 2012   1198 cases $19.95 – A big, black fruited, peppery mouthful.  

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   383 cases $24.95  - The bottle image has the look of Idi Amin with  all those medals but Wakefield is a terrific producer of well priced wines.

TUSCANY

IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006   997 cases $23.95 – Nicely aged and from a terrific vintage. With food, excellent.

SPAIN

In the mood for a Spanish wine? Try some of the Finca El Encinal 2010 from last release. And Doug says if you can find the Bordon from Oct.25^th, buy it.

 CALIFORNIA

RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   1299 cases $22.95 – A very pleasant unpretentious  cabernet.   

WASHINGTON STATE

 POMUM SHYA RED 2008   209 cases $24.95  - New to me. I might have to try one.

WHITES and BUBBLIES

Lots of inexpensive bubbles this time around! Try the Mumm Napa from the general list too – very good around $26.

JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT 2011   239 cases  of 6 $22.95 

PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE   151 cases $17.95 

CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ GIERSBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE   648 cases $19.95 

ALBERT BICHOT BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE   359 cases  of 6 $21.95 

FREIXENET ELYSSIA GRAN CUVÉE BRUT CAVA   489 cases  of 6 $19.95 

MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2009   611 cases  $21.95 

 JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE CHARDONNAY 2012   55 cases of 6 $24.95  

DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2013   399 cases $24.95   

BIG BUCKS

TRAPICHE VINA JORGE MIRALLES TERROIR SERIES SINGLE  VINEYARD  497 cases  of 6 $39.95 – Within a release or two this seems to be the annual spot for this wine.  A single vineyard wine, very well made, for that special prime rib roast or steak. The same vintage was available last year at the same price. It would have been nice to try one of the other of Trapiche’s single vineyard releases but that would necessitate some work  by  the LCBO buyer I guess.  Too much to hope for? Apparently.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CUT CABERNET   449 cases $36.95 – I like this wine but it’s too much this time around.

ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET   467 cases  of 6 $39.95  -Last release was a disappointment. Very thin, I almost thought I was pouring an old world Bordeaux blend.

LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH SHIRAZ 2012 (Fowles Wines)   479 of 6 $35.95 – Well marketed, well made.

Want a Canuck Christmas wine? Try either of these –

LAUGHING STOCK BLIND TRUST RED 2012     110 cases $37.95 

BURROWING OWL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011      167 cases $44.95 

MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2011   249 cases  of 6 $62.95  - What was an annual treat for me is over my price threshold now.

BERINGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   501 cases $49.95  - Good wine, bad vintage.

CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008   398 cases  of 6  $49.95  

CAPRILI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   209 cases $44.95  

CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011   199 cases $44.95  

CHÂTEAU DE LA GARDINE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   300 cases $39.95  

DOMAINE DU GRAND TINEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010   199 cases $49.95  

Vintages November 22nd release - another year come and gone almost

November 22, 2014 is usually Vintages Best of the Best release. After the most recent release this one has a lot to atone for and at first glance it does so. From the sub $20’s (barely) to the multi hundred $’s, there is something for most wallets and reasonably good prices and bottles across all price points. Herein, I’ve tried to pick all the ones that are worthy of your consideration. Anything in the triple digits has been ignored – why would I tempt myself?

Whites and Bubblies

BURGUNDY

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BORGOGNE   599 cases $19.95  - Looking for a rose champagne?  Save your bucks and dive into this as a stand in. Great with brunch, popcorn, salmon (gravlax, smoked or planked) or just because your palate needs awakening.

 DOMAINE DE FUSSIACUS VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2012  179 cases $27.95 or ALAIN GEOFFROY BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012  299 cases $29.95  – I know it’s Christmas time, but how about a Chardonnay throw down? One of these two from Burgundy, a Hamilton Russell if you have one, the Clos Jordanne and maybe one of Stormin’ Norman’s creations from the county.  

 VENETO

BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE 548  cases of 6 $18.95

REDS

AUSTRALIA

 D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   447 cases $19.95 – An under rated cabernet and well priced.

GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY  2011 -  498 cases of 6 $29.95  - As close to a CdP as you’ll find from Australia. Will age well for a few years and is priced close  to where it should be.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET $24.95 – From Coonawara, this traditional Aussie  cab shows eucalyptus, black fruit and some hints of licorice.

CHILE

SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET  798 cases $17.95 – Age worthy, great with roasted or grilled beef or lamb. More loamy -greens and brown flavours in with the black fruit - than the High Trellis or the Wolf Blass.

WASHINGTON STATE

SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON2011 - $19.95 – Think of it as an H3 in slightly different clothes. ‘Smart Buy’ earlier this year in the WS, less smart in Ontario due to the LCBO’s pricing.

MIDI

NOSTRE PAÏS COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2012 (Michel Gassier)  237 cases $21.95 – This is the middle priced of the three Costieres de Nimes in the release. Perhaps miscategorized for some nefarious reason, I would have thought this should be with the Rhone entries since other offerings in this release are categorized there. Since 2004 Costieres de Nimes has been in the Rhone. Per Wikipedia, the move of Costières de Nîmes to the regional committee of the Rhône valley was effected in the 19 July 2004 version.  Up until the version of 8 July 1998, which the 2004 version superseded, Costières de Nîmes was assigned to the regional committee of Languedoc-Roussillon.

RHÔNE

LES HALOS DE JUPITER COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2012  594 cases $16.95 – Same Costieres de Nimes, excellent producer, much better price!

CHÀTEAU DE NAGES JT COSTIÉRES DE NÎMES 2012   238 cases $24.95  - Another Costieres de Nimes but this one knows from whence it came. Also the most expensive.

GRANDS SERRES LES HAUTES VACQUIERES VACQUEYRAS 2012  400 cases $24.95 – I never miss a chance to recommend a Vacqueyras.

M. CHAPOUTIER PETITE RUCHE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012  196 cases $24.95 – From younger vines surrounding the renowned Hermitage, expect this to be ready sooner. Made with no exposure to oak, it’ll show pure syrah fruit.

PERRIN L'ANDÉOL RASTEAU 2012  443 cases $19.95 – Among the better of the lesser named villages in the Cotes du Rhone Villages, the Perrin family does everything right.

PIEDMONT

PAOLO CONTERNO BRICCO BARBERA D'ALBA 2013   329 cases $19.95

TUSCANY

PALAZZO VECCHIO MAESTRO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO   299 cases $24.95

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010  1198 cases $21.95

SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010   297 cases $27.95

SPAIN

 FINCA CONSTANCIA ALTOS DE LA FINCA 2011   576 cases of 6 $21.95

FINCA EL ENCINALCRAINZA 2010 -$17.95 – 94 points from a panel at Wine and Spirits – my opinion of the wine is not quite that high, but for the price and with tapas or roasted or grilled meats it does come alive.

BODEGA DIVINA PROPORCIÓN MADREMIA 2011   167 cases $29.95 – Don’t spend  your money here. I guess the LCBO thinks we won’t calculate the exchange rate – 15 euros  equal $21.30 Cdn.

BIG BUCKS

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA 2001 12 748 $35.95 – 13 years old and a Decanter number one wine from last year, this was gobbled up earlier this year and I expect the same to happen again. Not a fruit bomb  but even now redolent of red berries, backed by tannins and acid this wine has plenty of stuffing to continue to age gracefully.  Perhaps the buy of the release.

LE CLOS JORDANNE VILLAGE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2011   309 cases of 6 $30.00  - 5 cents less and it doesn’t get stuck here with the big boys. Too bad.

CUNE GRAN RESERVA 2008   996 cases of 6 $39.95 – Already 6 years old but will be better if aged for a few more, if you can keep your hands off it. A quality Rioja from a quality producer.

TWO HANDS BELLA'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2012   299 cases of 6 $63.95  - Now back in its sweet spot  points wise (the mid 90’s), Micheal Twelftree and this wine epitomize  everything good about Oz wine. This was the #16 wine in this year’s WS Top 100 Wines. 

BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ 2008   79 cases of 6 $89.95 – Huge, brilliant wine but you do have to love those big boys and have lots of $$’s.

CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   249 cases $89.95 – Among the finer CdP’s every year, this’ll need at least 7 years to open up, and probably more like 10.

DOMAINE DE VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE TÉLÉGRAMME CHÂTEAUNEUF    149 cases $49.95 – Vieux Telegraphe’s first wine has gotten crazy price wise (into  Beaucastel territory) so this  their 2^nd cru is available. There are better CdP’s around for the $$’s.

LA VITE LUCENTE 2012 (Luce Della Vite) Luce Della Vite   248 cases $34.95 – Luce’s second wine.

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2011  299 cases $34.95 – James Suckling gave this 95 points, everyone else gave it 90. You be the judge – I think the lower score is a better indication of the wine.

BREZZA SARMASSA BAROLO 2009 139 cases $49.95 – Tremendous score for a very age worthy wine.

FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008  247 cases $49.95 – Well made, slightly more fruit forward yet still a traditional Brunello.

A couple of ISD’s which you may or may not be able to find:

MEERLUST RUBICON 2008 - $33.95 – a South African Bordeaux blend that really delivers. 

CASTELLO DI NIPPOZANNO VIGNETO MONTESODI RISERVA  CHIANTI RUFINA 2010 $49.95 – Priced in Brunello territory, this is a fine vintage of a rarely available wine.  Needs time.

November's First release is a bit of a dud....

I just checked the calendar. It is November 1^st not April 1^st !!!! Yet here we are, with about 7 wines   recommended from this entire release!  Seems like a cruel joke - how can we be at this late time in the year and only be recommending 7 wines (with an average price of about $35.00)?  Because, just because.

Next week I’ll take a look at the Vintages Christmas gifts – but they are less inviting! than last year and last year was not a great year.

WASHINGTON STATE

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON     335 cases $25.95  - Roast beef, roast pork, steaks? I expect this to be very good and one of the best buys  in this release.  It is ready to drink now with spice, cedar, currant notes, but flavours will age on the short term into more oaky vanilla and black cherry.

ARGENTINA

Argentina appears to be the Spain of this release, with quality across a number of price points. The two sub $20 wines are both very good for the money but my recommendation from the release is:

Manos Negras Malbec Atrevida 2010 - $22.95 – Should be right in its drinking window.  It behooves you to pair with anything with hooves (and then hoover it down). Look for this phrase next year in Vintages.

SPAIN

ALVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT 2013 321 cases $24.95 – Very young, so give it some time.

VIÑA REAL ORO RESERVA 2009   449 cases of 6  $29.95  - Almost a pick.  Almost.

BIG BUCKS

Expensive for Argentina so it’s in the big bucks, FINCA FLICHMAN DEDICADO 2011 $29.95 – Apparently produced only in exceptional years, this blend reflects the quality that can be achieved. Ageworthy but also ready to drink with some air and some red meat.  I’ll spring for one for that prime rib roast.

CHILE

CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO VINEYARD SELECTION CABERNET  2010 335 cases of 6  $34.95 – Among my favourite Cab Sauvs. To my palate and especially to my wallet this is a better buy than C y T’s  flagship Don Melchor as it is very close to just  as good most years.  

ONTANON GRAN RESERVA 2001   200 cases $39.95

LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012     148 cases $63.95  - If I were to buy one it would be  just to keep a vertical alive.

Italy and Chile on Oct. 25th - Bring your wallet!

How can you tell we are into the home stretch for another Vintages year? Because in spite of the inclusion of two “Food and Drink” $17 specials in the release the big $ choices far outnumber the under $30 selections.   The big feature of this week’s release is an upper middle class of Tuscan wines. Oooops sorry, make that ‘Tuscan Treasures’.  It seems the LCBO’s misguided marketing manager associated with and answerable for all alliteration allocations is back. (With Tuscan Treasures to tipple as treats to your tastebuds!).

 Touché!

The second feature is Chile. So many wines that could have been included but weren’t. Ah well.

It’s quite early so I might make a few additions or subtractions – check back closer to the release date for the final picks.

My Top Pick is a Chianti Classico Riserva from Cestello D'Albola ARGENTINA

ALAMOS SELECCION MALBEC 2012 $16.95 -  Above average quality for the price.

CHILE

MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   2399 cases $17.00 – Look for the typical   Chilean aroma and flavour  profile - earthy with some green notes backed by cassis and black cherry.

EMILIANA COYAM 2011   138 cases $29.95  - An unusual blend of grapes find their way into this biodynamic wine. Most to least syrah, carmenere, merlot, cab sauv, mourvedre and malbec are all included in the mix.   Expensive but different.

 RHÔNE

FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2012   249 cases $24.95 – On its own or with almost any   meal this should be great. I’d recommend it regardless.

TUSCANY

CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA  CASTELLO D'ALBOLA RISERVA 2008 at $22.95 this is a 3 Glass winner from Gambero Rosso.  Counter balancing that is a very good but not quite as good score from Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson. That  tells me that you should buy one, try it and then go back for more if it meets your palate's criteria for fine wine.
ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   2497 cases $17.00  - Pizza, spaghetti, burgers? It’s  a food wine.

RUFFINO MODUS 2011   797 cases $29.95  -  Usually a  James Suckling favourite

LEONARDO CHIANTI RISERVA 2010     698 cases $19.95 – Another food wine. 

WASHINGTON ST.

COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 838 cases $17.95 – Barely $10 in the US, this is considered good QPR for the LCBO and that is shameful!

SPAIN

BORDON GRAN RESERVA 2005 - $22.95 – Nine years old and in its prime. Expect delicate tannins and fruit to accompany any tapas you can imagine.

BIG BUCKS – aka Little Italy this week!

SOFFOCONE DI VINCIGLIATA 2011 from Bibi Graetz   An ISD  in the release so not many bottles and at not many stores.  At $34.95 this wine isn’t cheap but given some time it’ll be the perfect thing to accompany a homemade wild boar ragu over pasta or a slow roasted porcetta. Two or Three glasses of this overlooking the Arno made me a convert. Thank goodness it was before my cold set in as it was memorable.   I’ll let you google the origins of the name of the wine and then as a joke you can complain to your MPP about the LCBO promoting vulgarity and loose morals and having lost sight of their social responsibility mandate. In keeping with the name of this wine and the way they blow budgets, it’s time for a new head at the LCBO (a double (or is that triple?) entendre made more amusing when you realize the current one’s name is Bob Peters)! But do be careful  if you have to ask for this wine. Knowing how politically and socially correct Ontario is, you may be charged with sexually harassing your local Vintages consultant.  

   

GIACOSA BUSSIA BAROLO 2009   298 cases $39.95 cases 

POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   448 cases $36.95 

TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2012   191 cases of 6 $52.95 

 ORNELLAIA 2011   Tenuta dell'Ornellaia   442 cases of 6  $189.95  - Too rich for my blood.

  LIVIO SASSETTI PERTIMALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007   299 cases $45.95  - A great vintage in Brunello.

 POGGIO VERRANO CHANCE 2006   297 cases of 6   $37.95  - A new one for me to try perhaps.

 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2011   162 cases $35.95  - Consistent quality.

And now from the rest of the world

DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE LA CRAU CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 219 cases $96.95  - This has gotten crazy price wise. I bought the 2004 release  for $40 something! Is it really that much better than two Usseglios? 

DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE  2010  219 cases $45.95 – Spectacular vintage in the Southern Rhone. This looks like a bargain next to the Vieux Télégraphe above.

 PASCUAL TOSO ALTA MALBEC 2011   200 cases of 6   $33.95 – Should only be $29.95 but is good enough to still recommend it.

 BURROWING OWL MERLOT 2011   278 cases $40.95  - Nationalistic choice of the week.

PENFOLDS BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 199 cases of 6  $44.95 – Penfold’s strategy to settle into the upper price points continues.

Better than a turkey of a release in honour of Thanksgiving

Ahhh,  the October 11^th,  release. By the time these wines are made available turkey day will be just a few short days (or hours) away. The release features Sonoma and Piedmont but unless you’re spending big bucks I’ve pretty much ignored both of them. My opinion is that better value can be found in wines from regions of Spain, the Southern Rhone, and Oz this time around. As is usually the case, each of the following wines are good now  but will improve if left in a cool dark place for  at least 6 months to a year.

SPAIN

 BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2012   $19.95 – This is not your typical Spanish tempranillo. Why? Because it’s 100% Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) and is always very good. Produced in a modern style the black and red raspberry notes come to the front but are supported by soft but present tannins.   

 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA 2004   $24.95 – The recent release of the 2008 reserva from Muriel was highly prized by the Decanter tasting panel and by yours truly.  This time around it’s their Gran Reserva. From a better vintage than the ‘08 and with 10 years on it but less than $25 if you like the flavour profile of mature Spanish Rioja wines, this’ll be for you.

RHÔNE

 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS SAMORËNS CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2012   $14.95 – An OK price.  Great with anything from roast chicken to grilled steak.

DOMAINE CLOS DE SIXTE LIRAC 2011 - $24.95 – Annually a favourite from this slightly underappreciated village in the Southern Rhone. A quality producer and excellent short to mid term ager. I had a 2010 a week or so ago.  It was very good – dark red and black fruits, hints of licorice, a touch of kirsch and just a wee bit of herbiness all backed by still present tannins.  I expect the ’11 to be even more approachable.

LES HALOS DE JUPITER VACQUEYRAS 2010   $27.95 – A superior producer and a better to best vintage.  Not cheap for a Vacqueyras but perhaps worth it.

 BRUNEL DE LA GARDINE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012   $23.95 – Smoked meat, hints of barnyard and black fruit. With some age it’ll taste better than it sounds. 

AUSTRALIA

There are 3  sub $20 Aussies for consideration this week  - CHÂTEAU TANUNDA BAROSSA TOWER SHIRAZ 2011 $18.95, ELDERTON FRIENDS SHIRAZ 2011 $17.95 and  the D'ARENBERG D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2010 at $19.95.

PIRRAMIMMA SHIRAZ 2011   $24.95- Shiraz fans with an ever so slightly more subdued and perhaps intricate palate will enjoy the always fine Pirramimma Shiraz. This is about the worst score I can recall it receiving from a professional reviewer- this vintage was nothing to write home about – but in spite of that I think this wine will acquit itself quite well.    

THE CONTRADICTION GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2010   $24.95 – A new GSM for me to try.

SALTRAM MAMRE BROOK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   $27.95  A cab that’ll need some time – and if you must buy a cab, try the John Merriman for a few bucks less.

 CHILE

SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD  CARMENERE 2011 - $19.95 – A WOM and good value.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

 NK'MIP CELLARS MERLOT 2011   $24.95 – Nationalists take note, the wine is from among the best vineyard locations in the Okanagan, owned and produced by native Canadians working with Randy Picton and is first rate. Black fruit and mocha notes abound.

SOUTH AFRICA

 RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2011   $24.95 – A heads up tasting with the Mamre Brook would make for an interesting comparison.

 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ 2011 (KWV)   $15.95 – Always a solid bargain.

BIG BUCKS

ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ 2010   $39.95  - Disappointed because you missed out on the Ebenezer?  Go for this.   Impenetrable colour, black berry and cherry fruit, and white pepper.

CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO PEUMO VINEYARD BLOCK 27   $34.95  -  Carmenere  can be terrific wine. Once thought to be merlot, turns out it wasn’t, this has become Chile’s differentiator and its signature grape.  Roast up some animal protein and try this with it. BUT…Never mind this carmenere, when is the Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Cabernet  going to reappear on the Vintages shelves?

SORBERO CIABOT TANASIO Barolo 2009 - $37.95 – An excellent Barolo and great addition to the release. Lay it down and forget it for some time.

CASCINA DARDI BUSSIA BAROLO 2007 - $35.95 – 93 points from Galloni. Lay it down and forget it for slightly less time.

DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   $33.95

RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2012   $52.95 

RODNEY STRONG RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010   $59.95