July 25th Vintages Release - Sleep in, nothing to see here.

The last release of July is almost here and it’s time to pull a cork on a nice rosé and quietly consider just where this summer is going so quickly. While contemplating that unfortunate circumstance we can also consider this release - Three features this time around including Chill Out Summer Sippers, Argentina, and Greece. The latter two seem like afterthoughts used to fill up a few pages. As well there is an Ontario winery regurgitation.

There are some good wines here but none that I consider ‘must haves’.

WHITES

Want to try something unusual? Try the TENUTE MESSiERI VISIONI OFFIDA PECORINO 2012 – Made with the Pecorino grape that is thought to have originated somewhere in the Sibilini Mountains. Note that 15 years ago this grape was planted on 215 acres in all of Italy.  This is not your everyday Pinot Grigio and it bears no relation to the cheese of the same name other than the Italian word for sheep is pecora.

Fielding UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2013 - $14.95 – Always a tasty summer sipper - full, pure Niagara chard fruit in a glass. Well priced for what you get.

THE REDS

ARGENTINA

 PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE MALBEC 2012   349 cases of 12  $19.95 Solid,  standard Malbec – get that grill heated up. If you really need a sub $20 Malbec, this one will fill the bill.

AUSTRALIA

D’ary’s Original 447 cases of 12 $19.95 – A consistently priced, well made wine from Oz. Big fruit across the palate. Syrah and Grenache.

PAXTON AAA SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2012   575 cases of 12 $19.95  -Biodynamic and certified organic as well as just a bloody good pour.

 FRANCE 

CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2013   649 cases of 12 $17.95  - From the Cotes de Ventoux this is a wine that used to perform above its price point when its price point was $14.95. Now it’s a tie.We used to pay less than Quebec, now they pay less. How'd that happen? Yes it is a Parker favourite so you’ll be getting lots of fruit.

GRAVILLAS SABLET Cotes du Rhone Villages 2013 - $15.95 - You might want to save yourself  2 bucks and buy the Sablet instead of the Pesquié. Or at least try one of each before diving in. This named village is among the superior viillages of the Cotes du Rhone but not quite up to AOC standards. The village name denotes an overall quality to the vineyards and producers of the area.

 DELAS LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012   249 $24.95 – Superior syrah – give it some time and serve with rare lamb rack or chops.

TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2013 1293 cases of 12 $17.95 – Plenty of tannins and a big acidic mouthful to be sure. Look for dark fruits and herbal notes.  Very lightly oaked, if at all, as it is 80% aged in concrete, 20% in demi-muids (I presume oak). Not to be confused with the Tessellae GSM, this is another of U.S. Importer Eric Solomon’s productions and it would seem to be built to Parker’s palate.  Jeb Dunnuck certainly continues to propagate Parker’s palate perceptions post Parker’s departure. (all this alliteration is for the Vintages marketing team!)

MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2014   399 cases of 12 $22.95 The Jolie Pitt Perrin profitable pink production returns for another run.  I think this has been reduced in price by a buck or two over last year. It is a well made rosé but the bottle is a bit awkward and there are as good rosés for less. I wonder how many times that bottle and ice bucket fell over when they were staging the image for Vintages?

ITALY

SAN FABIANO CALCINAIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 ISD 49 cases of 12  $24.95 An ISD with an unusually low price. Will be in very limited supply.

SPAIN

 BODEGAS ALTANZA - LEALTANZA RESERVA 2009 B 12 659 cases of 12  $19.95 Solid, pleasant food wine with some age on it.

CALIFORNIA

 NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   949 cases of 6 $26.95 –An OK BBQ wine if grilled steaks are in the offing.

 ST. FRANCIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012    616 cases of 12 $29.95 – Another OK Cali cab.

BIG BUCKS and  ISD’s

LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH SHIRAZ, FOWLES WINE 2012   287 cases of 6 $35.95 – Expensive but a good wine. It goes with squirrel and rabbit and I just happen to have lots of both eating their way through my backyard garden. Could it be that some good grillin’ is in the offing? Furry things, you have been warned!

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2010 ISD   84 cases of 6  $44.95 – The fruit is South Okanagan, the winemaking French. It is among the better Canadian wines. Give it a couple of years though.

CAPEZZANA CARMIGNANO 2010 ISD 12 29 $32.95  - In good vintages this is usually a superior wine. Over the next 5 years or so my expectation is that this’ll be very nice. It might be the sleeper of the release. An ISD so not many units at not many stores.

CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 B 12 149 $44.95 – Still waiting on the ‘10s? This has some age on it and should be ready to go anytime. Decant it. 

Vintages - July 11, Spain and C - cubed

This week’s release features Spain and Cool Climate Chardonnay. Regarding the former, I thought this week’s Spanish feature would be less attractive than many of the normal Spanish releases found in Vintages. It would appear that I’m not necessarily wrong.  Out of 18 possibilities, it would seem Vintages got only a few strong contenders in the Spanish feature.

 On the C cubed front  (Cool Climate Chardonnay), It is interesting to note that a couple of the chards, although given ample page space will actually provide fewer cases than some of this week’s ISDs. It never ceases to amaze me how LCBO marketers/ buyers can get away with things like this.  Yes these wines are in limited supply. So why waste all that space and customer good will on an item that’ll make the LCBO little money and will barely be available never mind widely available? VSO them or ISD them.  The LCBO motto seems to be  “Unfortunately we sold out of that one but we have this one that is similar (and we have hundreds of cases of it)”. Answering your critics is not necessary if  you’re running a monopoly and Head Office has never been concerned with that down at the cash cow by the lake. They just let the front line Vintages consultants take the heat. 

In summary, there are some whites and roses in this week’s release and not too many worthwhile reds.  

THE WHITES – as you can tell I have become enamored  of the white wines of Ontario  especially the chards now that we’ve gotten away from the oak bombs of not that long ago….

CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CHARDONNAY 2013   299 cases of 12 $18.95 

FLAT ROCK THE RUSTY SHED CHARDONNAY 2012   43 cases of 12 $24.95  

NORMAN HARDIE REISLING 2013 - A mix of county and Niagara fruit, this was highlighted on Anthony Bourdain's visit to Quebec (on CNN). Martin Picard gave it a glowing recommendation and I think it's fair to say he's tasted a few good wines in his time.

WESTCOTT LILLIAS UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2013   111 cases of 12 $20.00  - Prefer the unencumbered fruit without the vanilla of oak? Worth a shot. This is a new winery (not just to me, they’ve only been in production for a few years). Worth a try or a visit if you’re in the Niagara area.

BACHELDER OREGON CHARDONNAY 2012   100 cases of 12 $29.95 – Canadian wine maker’s west coast US property, excellent track record. 

TORO DE PIEDRA GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2014   216 cases of 12 $17.95     

THERAPY VINEYARDS PINOT GRIS 2013   111 cases of 12 $19.95

SERESIN ESTATE MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013   1007 cases of 12  $18.95 – New Zealand Sauvignon blanc, look for grassy notes.

 DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014   1626 cases of 12  $24.95 –More citrus than the Momo.  

THE REDS  

  VIDAL-FLEURY CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012   143 cases of 12 $24.95 – Rhone syrah – very good with lamb.  

  DOMAINE TOURNON MATHILDA SHIRAZ 2012   449 cases of 12 $19.95 – An OZ production with some  Southern Rhone sensibilities.

  BREMERTON COULTHARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012    209 cases of 12 $21.95  - Big cabby goodness. Cassis and perhaps a hint of soy sauce. I know, it sounds weird, but there it is.  Don’t get too excited by the score, that’s a James Halliday number.

  GERARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LES ASPRES   398 cases of 12 $18.95  - An SMG, From Cotes du Rousillon.  

SPAIN

CUNE RESERVA 2010   837 cases of 6 $23.95 – If I buy only one wine from the Spain feature this’ll be it.

Valdemar Fincas Valdecuco Roble 2012 - Expect nice smokiness and fruitiness

ROSÉS

MARQUES DE CACERES ROSADO 2014   499 cases of 12  $13.95 or for five bucks more pick one of these  two. 

HECHT & BANNIER CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2014   249 cases of 12  $18.95 

DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-ÉPINE TAVEL ROSÉ 2014   299 cases of 12 $18.95 

BIG BUCKS

HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2013    112 cases of 6 - $39.95 – Hmmm, seems like the SAQ not only scooped the LCBO and received their allocation sooner but also brought it to market for 10% less!  If you’re near the border or going to be in Montreal (or anywhere else in that province) check the SAQ website to find a store with product and buy this one there. It is a renowned wine from South Africa and traditionally outstanding.  Ageworthy in the short term yet if you stage a blind Chardonnay tasting, one of these might just win the day.  Apple, as well as some tropical fruit combined with subtle hints of vanilla and just the right note of acidity make it a keeper for sure.
Update - I tried a bottle of this wine on the weekend. It is not up to the 2012 as far as I'm concerned. Smokier, slightly woodier, less fruit but got better with  fresh salmon steamed on a bed of dill. The H-R is not a hot weather sipper to be sure.

PEARL MORISSETTE CUVÉE DIX-NEUVIÈME CHARDONNAY 2012   22 cases of 6 $35.20  - A bit of an ‘under the radar’  Ontario wine producer of  mostly Chards and Pinot Noirs. Only 22 cases of 6 though so why bother giving it a quarter of a page?  

TORBRECK THE STEADING 2010  47 cases of 6 $51.95 – Torbreck’s own website calls this perhaps the most important wine in the Torbreck portfolio – no small thing when you consider some of their wines retail for hundreds of dollars. This GSM is usually huge and an interesting wine to compare to a first rate, hot vintage Chateauneuf.

DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   199 cases of 12 $44.95 – Powerful CdP, very ageworthy as well.

RUFFINO DUCALE ORO RISERVA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI   348 cases of 6  $44.95  - Another of the new Gran Selezione Chianti Classicos.

  

Vintages June 27th Release - Ho hum....

Here comes the June 27^th release and for this week the main Vintages feature is something called “Customer Favourites”.  Is it just me or are there some odd choices among these customer favourites?  Those that made the recommended list here are prefaced by an F.

Also included are two other minor features. One is the Americas in honour of the Pan Am games. The LCBO will surely love them because our commutes in the GTA will drive us to drink even if we car pool! The other is a Canada Day feature. Both are ho hum.

You can pretty much skip this release completely and not be too upset.

ARGENTINA

VALENTIN BIANCHI  LEO PREMIUM MALBEC 2013     955 cases of 6   $19.95  - An almost premium bottle of juice. A great big Tuscan t-bone will be the perfect fit for this wine. Some of the proceeds go to underprivileged youth so you can feel good about pulling a cork.

F SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2012   866 cases of 12  $19.95 – Solid wine, solid winemaker.

AUSTRALIA

CLAYMORE YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE   335 cases of 12   $21.95  - What do Liverpool football,  Rogers and Hammerstein, Gerry and the Pacemakers and this wine have in common? The song of the same name of course. Nice GSM blend.

F ZONTE'S FOOTSTEPS BARON VON NEMESIS SINGLE SITE SHIRAZ   640 cases of 12   $17.95 – I can understand naming the winery after the original currant field but the name of the wine itself seems pretty juvenile. That said, one expects this well made, modestly priced wine will mature better over the short term than the name will.  Stupid wine name, pretty good shiraz in the bottle tho.   

FRANCE 

F ORTAS TRADITION RASTEAU 2013   698 cases of 12  $17.95  - OK wine but to be a customer favourite you’d expect that the wine would be really popular on its own merits, right? So why haven’t we seen one of these for over 13 months and why did we skip the 2012 Vintage and jump  from 2011 to 2013?  Or did I miss it in Vintages?  Perhaps it was a Food and Drink special under a different product code? If that was the case, it was only a favourite because it cost a buck less than this one.

DOMAINE LE CLOS DES CAZAUX LA TOUR SARRASINE GIGONDAS   195 cases of 12  $28.95 – Nice, give it a while though.  

MICHEL GASSIER LES PILIERS SYRAH 2012   349 cases of 12   $18.95 – Just OK.

ITALY

F RUFFINO MODUS 2012 12 399  cases of 12   $29.95  - Give it some time. Always a pretty good example of a midpriced super Tuscan – typical Tuscan profile, this wine likes food and vice versa.

BADIA A COLTIBUONO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012   299 cases of 12   $23.95 Organic,  3 glasses from Gambero Rosso, under $25. Worth a shot.

F VILLA MEDORO ROSSO DEL DUCA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO   498 cases of 12    $19.95  - Worth a buy perhaps but let it rest for a time.

SAN SILVESTRO PATRES BAROLO 2010   279 cases of 12    $29.95  - New to me and Well priced for  a Barolo but be careful because sometimes you get what you pay for.

SPAIN – For Spanish wines this week is probably better than the upcoming Spanish feature. 

BORSAO BEROLA 2011   2997 cases of 12    $17.00   Another of the $17 specials that should really only be $15 and that are $12 to $13.99 in the US. This is a blend of 70% garnacha, 20% syrah and 10 % Cab Sauv, look for a ripe wine with blackberry and cassis notes perhaps with a hint of balsamic acidity on the finish.   

F BRECA OLD VINES GARNACHA 2012   1747  cases of 12    $22.95 $19.95 after all! - This was a favourite at $19.95 and  previous vintages of this garnered a 93 point score from Parker. Look what happened to the price. (Update: Turns out nothing happened to the price after all...although my store has a graffiti type price correction to $19.95 on the WOM poster). Similar quality and profile to the BorsaoTres Picos from last release.

F ARDAL CRIANZA 2005   1299 cases of 12    $16.95  - Solid Crianza with some age on it.    

THE ROSÉS

BERONIA TEMPRANILLO ROSÉ 2013   399 cases of 12   $14.95  - Excellent producer, worth buying a few if you like a nice chilled rose while passing a summer’s day.

KIM CRAWFORD PANSY! ROSÉ 2014   2518 cases of 12  $17.00  - The annual gay pride release but there are many better price/ quality choices among the rose options.  Yes this is another of the $17 that should only be $15 or less wines.    

The Big Bucks

F TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2012   587 cases of 12    $33.95  - A solid Tuscan, but 95 Points? James, calm yourself!

IL MOLINO DI GRACE IL MARGONE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 - 199 cases of 12  $34.95  - Excellent year in Chianti and right in its drinking window. Loves food.

FATTORIA CARPINETA FONTALPINO DO UT DES 2011   249 cases of 12   $37.95  - Annually garners scores in the 91 to 93 range from all reviewers but, like others in this release, will benefit from some time.

F THE PRISONER 2013   279 cases of 12    $49.95  - Oh yes, now I remember this one! It’s the wine with the name that best describes the Ontario wine consumer. I’ve never had a bottle nor seen a bottle in any friends’ houses.  …has anyone?    

Vintages June 13 release makes Dad's day fizzle, and some Italian whites.

Mid June brings another  so so release. The features are Bubblies (reasonable to ridiculous price wise), Dad’s day specials, and Italian Whites. In trying to go beyond Pinot Grigio for the latter, our intrepid Vintages team has come up with 5 other wines. 

From this release, here are the ones that interested me for one reason or another.

 France

Bastide Miraflors Vielles Vignes Syrah Grenache 2013 -  799 cases of 12 - $19.95 – The ‘over the top’ Parker review will have you wrestling for this one - with the adjectives that he used to describe the wine you’d think this was a wine for the ages! Best to temper your enthusiasm and follow the Sol Mandlsohn credo “If you get some, you get some but if you miss it, you miss it.”

CHATEAU Eugenie Cuvee Reserve D’Aiuel Cahors 2011 -297 cases of 12 - $20.95 – One for the cellar. Do not open for three or four years as it needs time to calm the tannins. If you’re still eating beef or lamb by then, this’ll be terrific.

Xavier Ventoux 2012 -709 cases of 12 - $15.95 – Every so often a nice, well priced, sophisticated wine sneaks in beneath the radar. This could be one of them.

CHILE

NINQUÉN ANTU CHILEAN MOUNTAIN VINEYARD SYRAH 2013   550 cases of 12   $17.95 – Watch for serious vanilla intermixed with chocolate and black fruits. Usually an excellent choice for the price but it’ll need to be left alone for a bit.

VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   547 cases of 12  $17.95 - OK price for an OK Chilean.

AUSTRALIA

ELDERTON HIGH ALTITUDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   447 cases of 12  $19.95  - From the Eden Valley region, which if you squint is a subset of the Barossa Zone. This is worth a try if you really like the estate cab but don’t like the estate cab price (this means you Doug!). Site specific vineyard but priced similar to the old ‘Elderton Friends’. I’d try one to see how the new line is panning out.

MOUNTADAM PATRIARCH SHIRAZ 2010   249 cases of 12  $29.95 – Interesting that the Elderton wine above is from  Eden Valley but is indicated as being from Barossa. This Mountadam wine manages to get properly listed as being from the High Eden subregion of the Eden Valley wine region within the Barossa zone.  Someone needs a geography lesson for the Elderton next year. The Mountadam is worth  trying  head to head with an Elderton Estate Shiraz if you have one.

ITALY

MIALI MATER PRIMITIVO 2010   299 cases of 12  $18.95 – A Zinfandel cousin with a bit of age. Great for BBQs , burgers and the like.

AMBRA SANTA CRISTINA IN PILLI CARMIGNANO 2011   222 cases of 12  $23.95 – A sleeper methinks. Mostly Sangiovese and Cabernet, should be very nice with a little age.

SPAIN

BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2012   848 cases of 12  $19.95  - This has previously been  highly recommended  by me among others. For me, the last couple of bottles that I had were absolute oak bombs – vanilla extract in black raspberry juice. Buyer beware because I’m not sure if my palate or the wine has changed.

USA

SNOQUALMÍE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   447 cases of 12  $16.95 – Organic and well scored from a good producer.  Save yourself at least 5 bucks and take this over the Cali alternatives.

RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   836 cases of 12  $22.95 – An OK Cali alternative.

SILVER BUCKLE RANCHERO RED 2010   359 cases of 12  $21.95 – Any wine that stirs memories of a Ford Fairlane turned into a pickup truck has to be worth a try. Too bad there isn’t some El Camino in this release for a road, err taste test against it.

ROSE TABLE WINE

 (ZUCARDI) VIDA ORGÁNICA MALBEC ROSÉ 2014   449 cases of 12  $13.95 – Organic production, reasonable price.

MONTE ZOVO BARDOLINO CHIARETTO 2014   349 cases of 12  $13.95 – A dryish wine promoting sweet cherry and exhibiting a full mouthfeel.

BIG BUCKS

Pieropan LA ROCCA Soave Classico 2011 -$39.95 - #2 from the Wine Enthusiasts top 100 last year. Expect puckering astringency and subtle fruits.

TWO HANDS BELLA'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2012    181 cases of 6  $63.95 – Always superior.

PAUL HOBBS CROSSBARN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 167 cases of 12  $62.95. Jumped almost $20 in the last few releases. Yes, you probably can do better for much less.

OPUS ONE 2011    99 cases of 6  $444.95-  Not a chance!

TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2011    163 cases of 6  $76.95 – I have to ask, why wasn’t I born rich?   If I was, I’d buy almost 6 of these before I bought one of the Opus One.   

J. LOHR HILLTOP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012    701 cases of 6  $40.95 – A single vineyard produced by  a quality Paso Robles winery.

CASTELLO DI AMA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009   324 cases of 12  $34.95  - The third Vintages release of the 2009 vintage of this wine. While it has been highly recommended in the past, I found one of the three smaller 375 ml bottles I purchased a while back to be suffering from apparent premature oxidation. Another reader reported similar findings. Bad cork seal? Bad bottle? Bad batch?  All of the above? Perhaps. Before I consider buying more of this I think it’s time to try one from the previously released 750 mls. Done, last day of May and it was suddenly Novemberish so a meal of Osso Buco was in order. The wine was good but this is not a ‘sit and guzzle’ wine for sure. This is an ‘open me, sip me, and taste me change while you’re preparing and cooking something over a period of a couple of hours’ wine. With sufficient air, this becomes a perfect ‘accompany a very good meal’ wine. 

May 30 - The Southern Rhone and Pinot Noir - and birds, lots of birds.....

The May 30, 2015 release has a real ‘for the birds’ quality to it, what with the migrations, ravens, ducks, chooks and roosters adorning so many of the bottles. Add in at least one angel and one can be forgiven for thinking that perhaps the release was the result of a wing and a prayer?

Regardless, the main feature is one of my favourite wine regions, the Southern Rhone. That feature is balanced by a New World Pinot Noir feature.  Pinot fans are on their own for that one.

WHITE AND ROSÉ TABLE WINES from the release

Lailey UnOaked Chardonnay -$14.95 – A tasty, crisp sipper for those hot summer days. Great with an avocado and shrimp or lobster salad methinks.

MULDERBOSCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON ROSÉ 2014   503 cases of 12 $12.95 – A favourite rose each year. Cab Sauv, strong strawberry mid-palate and rhubarb on the finish. Also great with the above salad.

PENINSULA RIDGE BEAL VINEYARD CABERNET ROSÉ 2014   299 cases of 12  $11.95  - Price is right. Tried this at Peninsula Ridge last weekend – quite nice served very chilled with charcuterie and cheeses.

GASSIER SABLES D'AZUR ROSÉ 2014   900 cases of 12 $15.95  - An OK dry alternative.

Want to spend a bit more on a ROSÉ? Spring for one of these two ROSÉS.

FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL 2014   372 cases of 12 $19.95 or Castello di Ama RosaTo 2014. – I’m a big fan of both producers so my BIAs mIGHT is probably clouding my judgement.

REDS from the Release

RHÔNE

PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2012   698 cases of 12 $23.95  -  The Village of Vacqueyras is among the better of the named villages in the Southern Rhone. The producer is consistently excellent – a better than safe bet.

ORTAS PRESTIGE RASTEAU 2010   498 cases of 12  $19.95 – This should be in a good place right now. The 2010 vintage was excellent across the Southern Rhone – consume away! 

DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR ANTARÈS LIRAC 2011   335 cases of 12 $18.95  - A toss up with the Rasteau above. If this is anywhere as good as say Clos Du Sixte, it’s a bargain.

PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE-MACHOTTE GIGONDAS 2012   249 cases of 12  $27.95  - another producer that always delivers.

DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES PLAN DE DIEU CUVÉE DES GALETS 2011  299 cases of 12 $23.95  - Among the more expensive Plan de Dieu offerings ever at the LCBO. Why? Who knows? Last time this wine was for sale it was $14.75 according to the LCBO website, and that was for the 2010, a better Vintage. Watch to see if this goes on sale soon. If it does go on sale a more skeptical man than I might think that the LCBO is guilty of inflating the price so they can show a big, albeit artificial, sale discount.  From the federal competition bureau website:

The misleading advertising and labelling provisions enforced by the Competition Bureau prohibit making any deceptive representations for the purpose of promoting a product or a business interest, and encourage the provision of sufficient information to allow consumers to make informed choices.

The false or misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices provisions of the Competition Act contain a general prohibition against materially false or misleading representations. They also prohibit making performance representations which are not based on adequate and proper tests, misleading warranties and guarantees, false or misleading ordinary selling price representations, etc, etc., etc.

And, if that does happen, please remember this is a branch of our government breaching the law and doing this (to us)! Where is the ombudsman and where is the Competition bureau of the federal government? But perhaps that skeptical person is jumping to conclusions…..back to the release.

ARGENTINA

DIAMANDES DE UCO MALBEC 2011   279 cases of 12 $27.95  - The Uco Valley is among the best locales in Argentina for Malbec. A bit of a bad pun on the name

 AUSTRALIA

THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2013   990 cases of 12 $17.95 - Like your wines to wear more medals than Imelda Marcos had shoes? Here’s the one to pick.

SERAFINO SHIRAZ 2012   279 cases of 12 $28.95  - A new one to me, Halliday’s score is always bloated but even three or four points too high will still give you a 91 or 92 pointer.

South Africa

Boschendal 1685 S & M 2013 - $19.95 -  You’re bound to enjoy this spanking good wine. Aromas of leather make it hard to beat. The flavor profile exhibits a pinch of spiciness but can’t be tied down.  Its concentrated berries will whip your tastebuds into a frenzy and tickle your fancy until you finally succumb to its long, fulfilling finish. (OK, OK, so it’s Shiraz & Mourvedre and not the other S&M but it was still fun writing the review).

PIEDMONT

PAOLO CONTERNO BRICCO BARBERA D'ALBA 2013   280 cases of 12  $18.95  

TUSCANY

CECCHI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2011   671 cases of 6  $21.95  - In a newer, more fruit driven style.

CASTELLO DI GABBIANO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   391 cases of 12 $22.95  - Easy on the score there James. Might not be quite that good but given a bit of time, you’ll enjoy with pasta or steaks.

SAN MICHELE A TORRI CHIANTI COLLI FIORENTINI 2013   449 cases of 12 $16.95  - Been to Florence lately and want to rekindle some memories of it? Here you go.

BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA RISERVA CHIANTI  2011 700 cases of 12 $24.95  - Always very solid and even better with food.

VENETO

TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ APPASSIMENTO VALPOLICELLA   1000 cases of 12 $17.95 To my palate this is among the better valued Valpolicellas. Made after the grapes have undergone drying for a period of time (hence appassimento) so this is a rich fruit filled wine. It has gone up slightly in price if memory serves me correctly.

CALIFORNIA

RAVENSWOOD BESIEGED 2013   299 cases of 12 $24.95 –Looking for a wine to hold until Hallowe’en? Maybe you’re hosting a showing of Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’?  Here’s a scary looking label from Ravenswood. A big, kitchen sink blend of a wine featuring Petit Syrah, Carignane, Zin, Syrah, Barbera, Alicante Bouschet, and Mourvedre. Lots to consider and probably great with something from the BBQ grill.

RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013  900 cases of 12  $24.95 –Solid, can’t go wrong with this if you’re bringing it to a BBQ party except it is too expensive. Save 5 bucks and buy the Seven Falls instead.

WASHINGTON STATE

SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   892 cases of 12  $19.95 -   Solid and lots of it. Try one, if you like it, get more.

BIG BUCKS

INGLENOOK 1882 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   167 cases of 12  $66.95  

Bacio Divino PAZZO CALL ME CRAZY  111 cases of 12 $44.95  

FOSSACOLLE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   239 cases of 6 $48.95 

BADIA A COLTIBUONO RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009   148 cases of 6   $38.95  

PIETRANERA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   347 cases of 12 $39.95 – A 2010   Brunello and under $40 so might be worth a shot. Suckling says it lasts for minutes on the palate. James, you have to learn to swallow!

MARCHESI TORRIGIANI GUIDACCIO 2008   99 cases of 6  $48.95  - The review for this wine reads like it might just be a bargain - if an almost $50 wine can be classified as a bargain!  

Poggio Bonelli Poggiassai 2010 – $32.95 - An ISD, so there’ll be very few cases, this Sangiovese/ Cabernet blend should be very good after a few years in the dark.

and last but not least, the witty and irreverent
Gundlach Bundschu Merlot 2011 $44.00 - Watch their old, previously mentioned on this site,  video to get an idea.

http://www.gunbun.com/merlot

May 16 Vintages release- Australia backed up by some global alternatives

May 16 and we’re looking at Australian First Families of wine supported by Mouth Watering Whites. The latter are the LCBO’s descriptors, not mine.   There are some good options across all the price points and wine styles and, choice wise, we are not limited to the Australian contingent. White wise, I think a few of the roses provide as good or better QPR especially as we get into the warmer weather.

LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   168 cases of 12 $24.95 – Among  the best options in the release although well over the $20 mark. To me this is among the more attractive Cab options from Chile each and every year. But do give it some time.   Too bad the Cover Drive is not a 2012 as well. It would be nice to try the same Vintage head to head.

Three from AUSTRALIA

YALUMBA THE STRAPPER GSM 2012   1499 cases of 12 $19.95 – A Grenache Syrah and Mourvedre blend hence the GSM. Yalumba is a very good producer of intermediate priced wines.

JIM BARRY THE COVER DRIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   391 cases of 12  $26.95

JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2012   599 cases of 12 $26.95  - Cooler climate, but not cool. Does that make sense? From the Clare valley – has supplanted Bin 61 as my preferred Shiraz from that area.

Two from France

CHÂTEAU DE GOURGAZAUD CUVÉE MATHILDE MINERVOIS 2013   498 cases of 12  $14.95 A good buy.  Think of it as a Minervois version of Plan de Dieu  –  but it will need a bit of time to mature the fruit.

 CLOS TROTELIGOTTE K-OR MALBEC 2012   100 cases of 12 $17.95 – A French Malbec from Cahors (K-or, get it?  Witty wineguys from France, who’d have thought it!?). Give it some time to settle in. It’ll need it.

AND TWO FROM ITALY

ASCHERI SAN GIACOMO NEBBIOLO D'ALBA 2012   166 cases of 12  $24.95 –A Barolo from another mother, perhaps?

COPPI PEUCETICO PRIMITIVO 2008   996 cases of 12 $13.95 – Anything from Pizza to burgers to grilled steak, here’s a nice wine to have. From Puglia. With some age. And relatively inexpensive.

SPAIN

ONDARRE RESERVA 2009   601 cases of 12  $18.95 – Craving a Spanish alternative? Solid choice here.

 ROSÉS

 DELAS SAINT-ESPRIT CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE ROSÉ 2014   699 cases of 12 $14.95  

 FRANCOIS LURTON LES HAUTS DE JANEIL SYRAH ROSÉ   139 cases of 12 $13.95  

BIG BUCKS

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA 2001   1487 cases of 12 $36.95 –Somehow the LCBO has managed to get its hands on 1487 more cases of Decanter’s Number 1 wine from 2013 for a rererelease. They’ve chosen to run the 100 point review again rather than highlight that it was Decanter’s wine of the year but is it a 100 point wine? Not to my palate but it was and is very good. Will this batch be as good as previous ones? We’ll soon find out but for sure it’s 14 years old and was still showing plenty of fruity youth.

BURROWING OWL MERITAGE 2011   55 cases of 12  $59.95 – You must be kidding. 60 bucks, really?

 Viticcio Beatrice Gran Selezione Chianti Classico   2010 $47.95  - A  Brunello priced wine  in Black Rooster’s clothing from the Chianti Classico folks. Very limited release here – 99 cases of 6.

RHÔNE

DOMAINE LA FOURMONE LE FAUQUET GIGONDAS 2012   122 cases of 12 $34.95 – Another Gigondas that is creeping into Chateauneuf’s price range.

E. GUIGAL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009   238 cases of 12  $58.95  - A bit of age on it and a good producer but nothing exceptional for a wine this expensive. The ’07 was coming into its own about a year ago.

MIDI

 DOMAINE L'OSTAL CAZES GRAND VIN 2011   110 cases of 12  $31.95 – A new one for me, consider this among the more expensive LCBO options from the Midi.

 OZ

HENSCHKE HENRY'S SEVEN 2013   78 cases of 6  $42.95

 D'ARENBERG THE COPPERMINE ROAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON   155 cases of 6  $49.95 

May 2nd Release - Food and Drink - prices are anything but special.

For Ontario wine buyers, no ‘special’ bargains but some OK options in this release.  

ARGENTINA

NORTON RESERVA MALBEC 2011   3494 cases of 12- $17.00  - An OK buy if you’re a Malbec fan.  Made the WS Top 100 last year so a multi unit purchase might be worthy of consideration, if only because BBQ season is upon us and charred red meats are in our future for some months to come.

TRIVENTO GOLDEN RESERVE MALBEC 2012 384 cases of 12-  $19.95   - Too bad for it that it’s up against Mr. Norton this release.

AUSTRALIA

  CHÂTEAU TANUNDA GRAND BAROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON   614 cases of 12-  $23.95  - A relative newcomer to Ontario producing quality juice.

 BRITISH COLUMBIA

JACKSON-TRIGGS SUNROCK RED MERITAGE 2010   111 cases of 6-  $29.95 – Produced using grapes from a wonderful site in the Southern Okanagan, SunRock holds a special place for me. This is a very well made wine.

CHILE

SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET   839 cases of 12-  $17.95  - Always very good and a reflection of Chilean terroir – but definitely more green flavours than the Aussie options in this release.

MIDI

 GÉRARD BERTRAND LANGUEDOC SYRAH/GRENACHE 2011  3198 cases of 12-  $17.00  - 90 points from WS  and trumpeted as another Food and Drink ‘special’ by the LCBO. But don’t read CostcoWineBlog.com because you’ll find it there for $9.99 US. Explain to me again why we have to pay these prices?

 Dourthe Freres CHÂTEAU DE SÉRAME RÉSERVE DU CHÂTEAU  394 cases of 12-  $16.95 – Right there with the Bertrand and 5 cents less.

RHÔNE

BROTTE BOUVENCOURT VACQUEYRAS 2013   449 cases of 12- $23.95  - Love the fruit – and it’ll be fruity! Needs some time to come around. Give it a year or two.

E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE 2011  302 cases of 12-  $28.95 – Lamb in your future? Go for this. Want to do an Old World Syrah vs New World Shiraz taste off? Go for this for your old world rep. Give it time and/or air. You’ll smell earth, bacon (well smokey meat fat anyhow) maybe even some barnyard. Relax, it’s part of the charm!

  PIEDMONT

G.D. VAJRA BARBERA D'ALBA 2011  273 cases of 12-  $21.95 – Want to try some Piedmontese examples but think Barolo is too expensive? Try this one.

TUSCANY

IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   1297 cases of 12-  $18.95 – Lots of bottles so no rush here.

 SPAIN

CASTAÑO SOLANERA VIÑAS VIEJAS 2012   999 cases of 12- $16.95 – Read carefully – this is not a recommendation but rather a FEW words of warning.   Do you already have some of this in your cellar? It wouldn’t surprise me a bit because in the August 27^th release last year it was a ‘Food and Drink Special’ at $17. Now here we are with our wonderful LCBO buying team buying less and somehow managing to sell it for less than that so called ‘Food and Drink special’. Further proof that this arm of the government is not here to serve the populace but to screw it with perhaps not false but somewhat misleading advertising! Even the laws of supply and demand don’t seem to apply to our intrepid bureaucrats.

MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES GRAN RESERVA 2005 - 349 cases of 12-  $29.95

WASHINGTON STATE

COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT 2012   952 cases of 12-  $16.95 – Espresso, mocha, vanilla, black fruits. That about covers it.

BIG BUCKS

LA GERLA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009  173 cases of 12-  $49.95

BOSQUET DES PAPES CUVÉE TRADITION  Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 149 cases of 12-  $49.95

CHÂTEAU DE VAUDIEU CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE   98 cases of 12-  $59.95

BERINGER KNIGHTS VALLEY RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON   223 cases of 6 -  $69.95

BREZZA CANNUBI BAROLO 2010   99 cases of 12- $64.95