October 31 - Tuscany and Chile in a very good release but why, oh why?

It’s a Tuscan release so let us commence with a Tuscan wine question. “Why is the Pian delle Vigne 2010 a full $16 more expensive here than in Quebec?”   I’ll await your response Shari Mogk-Edwards but I won’t hold my breath. That question asked, I now have to take my hat off to the Vintages team for this release. As you can tell from my notes below, this has something for everyone.

Chile plays second fiddle in this release and while it is overshadowed by the bold Italians there are some worthy options.

TUSCANY Picks – Four that look excellent, two under $20 and two under $25.

BORGO SCOPETO BORGONERO 2011   998 cases of 12   $19.95 – The Borgo Scopeto Chianti was a beaut and  Yes, I should have bought more! I expect more of the same with this well priced Tuscan/ Bordeaux blend. It might need some time to get settled so don’t rush to serve it but the big number and great price will have this one blowing out the door so do rush to buy it.

Frescobaldi CAMPO AI SASSI Rosso di Montalcino 2013 - $21.95 – While this 2013 might be good to age, it should also be ready for immediate consumption. Planted in the southern half of the Castelgiocondo estate below Montalcino and aged for 12 months in Slavonian oak, this was unanimously given 95 by the Decanter tasting panel.

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   3498 cases of 12   $17.00  - Another of the Food and Drink specials (or is that F and D specials, or maybe F’n D specials) , this garnered a 92 point score from Wine Spectator but be careful to read the review. This is an old school chianti, so give it time and food. It does not seem to be as universally well liked among the wine cognoscenti.  

CAFAGGIO CORTACCIO 2006   344 cases of 12   $24.95 – A 100% Cabernet Sauv wine from a terrific Tuscan vintage. Now with almost 9 years on it this one is ready for immediate consumption and I don’t expect it to get better (I like my wines to exhibit some fresh as opposed to all dried fruit characteristics). Are you ready for a Florentine steak hot off the grill?

OTHER PICKS

My first four picks outside Tuscany in the $15 -$30 range are the CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON   279 cases of 12 at $26.95 will be spicy and tasty with cloves and vanilla supporting the black currant fruit.  Next is the CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO ANDES PIRQUE VINEYARD CABERNET. In the medium term this’ll be as good as their flagship Don Melchor. A bold statement but I really like this wine. Look for the traditional Chilean profile of black currant, loam, just a hint of green and mint and a long, full finish. Decant and serve with a rare roast of beef. 995 cases of 6 at  $29.95. Third pick is the Spanish MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008.  At $18.95 and with food this is among the better QPR reds I’ve had in the last year or so. Last option is the SYRAH from MONTES ALPHA. I find the wines from this producer lean more towards OZ than Europe so this’ll be a pleasant softer mouthful. 650 or so cases of 12.

BACK to TUSCANY

POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2012   298 cases of 12  $29.95 – Having visited Poliziano I have to recommend this wine for no other reason than the professionalism of their staff.  

TENUTA SAN GUIDO LE DIFESE 2013   644 cases of 6  $29.95  - The Third  wine to Sassicaia and Guidalberto, this is made from younger estate vines. Expensive but …

LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2013   495 cases of 12  $29.95 – The third wine of the Ornellaia estate.

RUFFINO MODUS 2011   676 cases of 12  $29.95  - James Suckling is a huge fan of this wine. Me? I like it but I think there are many better places to spend your money in this release.

SPAIN

 MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008   997 cases of 12 $18.95 As  mentioned above in my non Tuscan picks. Keep in mind this was in Decanter’s Top 10 Wines of 2013 but is the third release of this vintage and wine by the Vintages team. Now, that said I always worry about rereleases so you can bet I’m really worried about this rererelease! It might have been nice for the LCBO to throw us a bone and make this one of the Food and Drink specials but that was just too much to hope for.

BARÓN DE LEY RESERVA 2010   596 cases of 12  $19.95 – The second of a couple of well priced and terrific  Spanish wines in this release. You better like oak for this one and do open well before serving with food.

AUSTRALIA

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   996 cases of 6  $23.95 – Another really solid new world Cabernet. 

RHÔNE

LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2012   358 cases of 12 $24.95 – Lavau is a solid if not spectacular producer and you know I like wines from vineyards in the region of this Village.

UNDER $17

For you bargain hunters, there are a few goodies that just squeak under the $17 mark. Three from Argentina, the two CRIOS offerings – a Malbec and a red Blend should be very nice as well as  the FAMIGLIA BIANCHI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   599 cases of 12  $17.95 Any of these will be solid, great for a Christmas open house, it you’re thinking ahead. Also worth considering are the Brampton Cab from South Africa or the Xavier Cotes du Rhone 2012.

BIG BUCKS

ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   987 cases of 6  $69.95 – You’d laugh if you weren’t crying, right? This is $53.75 in Quebec for the same Vintage so those who have defended the LCBO by saying that it serves a purpose and funds things like OHIP etc can look at Quebec. With the same health system and subsidized daycare for young families (max cost $7.30 up to a max. of $20 per day)  they still manage to sell this wine for $16.25 less than the LCBO – how does the LCBO get away with that? Anywhere else and it would be called price gouging (or perhaps incompetence?).

 PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ 2012   155 cases of 6 $34.95 

  TWO HANDS LILY'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2013   299 cases of 6 $54.95 

  E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS 2011   197 cases of 12  $36.95

  J. L. CHAVE SÉLECTION OFFERUS SAINT-JOSEPH 2012   71 cases of 12   $33.95 – Nice meaty peppery syrah from a terrific producer. Lamb chops are calling its name.

  BENI DI BATASIOLO BOSCARETO BAROLO 2009   199 cases of 6   $67.95

  FONTANAFREDDA LA ROSA BAROLO 2008   127 cases of 6  $64.95

TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2012 246 cases of 6  $77.95 – This has come down a wee bit (maybe to try to match Quebec?) and the 2004  was among my wines of the year last year but I can’t justify it. Quebec has it at $73 for the 2011. Just sayin’.

 POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 592 cases of 12  $39.95 – An old style Brunello at a reasonable price. But this is ‘old style’ so fruit will be reticent and food is recommended.

  SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO DA SAN FELICE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI   247 cases of 6   $46.95 – A Chianti in Brunello clothing.

October 17th Vintages - Cali and Piedmont vie for your cash

The October 17th^st release sees the prices begin to spike as we head into the Christmas time releases. Focused on California with an able backup from Barolo, this one will be a wallet lightener to be sure. The LCBO, ever the masters of the understatement called this release the California Gold Rush. Look at the prices and you’ll see why - They’re rushing to get our gold.

MIDI

M. CHAPOUTIER DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2013   998 cases of 12   $25.95 – Always excellent but will need a bit of time to calm down.

VILLA SYMPOSIA L'EQUILIBRE 2012   221 cases of 12  $22.95  - Another reasonably good buy for a mid term ageworthy wine.

RHÔNE

FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2013   404 cases of 12  $17.95 – With the Nicalo, this is the semibargain red selection of the release.

DOMAINES PERRIN COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 344 cases of 12 $29.95 – A Cotes du Rhone with Chateauneufian sensibilities. Built to age in the medium term, you’ll find it puckeringly  tannic in its youth.

AUSTRALIA

3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2013   995 cases of 12  $18.95  - Consistent wine – never let’s you down.

MOLLYDOOKER THE BOXER SHIRAZ 2013   199 cases of 12   $29.95 – Sometimes referred to as The BenlynDooker, this’ll be inky black garnet and juicy. Old style OZ.

D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE 2010   191 cases of 12   $29.95 Is it my imagination or has this jumped in price from last year? 

VENICE

 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ 2013 948 cases of 12  $17.95 – The other semibargain of the release. I do expect to like this one based on history.

SPAIN

RIOJA VEGA RESERVA 2008   1059 cases of 12   $21.95 – Lots of bottles so no rush.

DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2011   298 cases of 12   $29.95 – This one has jumped in price if I recall correctly. Expect something akin to a southern Rhone palate with a dollop of pinot noir thrown in. The only grape in it is mencia. But that’s what it tastes like to me.

BIG BUCKS

FATTORIA DI BASCIANO I PINI 2011   239 cases of 6 $30.95 – I’m hoping for a replay of Castello del  Terriccio’s terrific Tassinaia with this one. One dollar too much drops it into the Big Buck zone.

BRITISH COLUMBIA’s JACKSON-TRIGGS SUNROCK VINEYARD ILLUMINA 2012   111 cases of 6  $34.95- A spectacular setting and a terrific vineyard in both soil composition and solar exposure.  If you want to see how much fruit a Canadian red can show try this blend of Zinfandel and Shiraz.  Note to J.T - check the harvest dates on the PDF for this one on the Great Estates website.

CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE  348 cases of 12   $45.95  - I’m a big fan of Di Ama but I’ll have to drown my sorrows with a bottle of 2009 Reserva since  I expect I’ll lose out on the charge for this one come Saturday (or Friday, or whenever!). Like the Banfi below, it’ll need some time to tame the tannins.

BANFI POGGIO ALLE MURA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   110 cases of 6   $69.95 Patience people, patience. Needs at least 7 years to show the best it has to offer.

All across Europe, 2010 was a great vintage. The following four Barolos should provide real pleasure for you.

TENUTA ROCCA BAROLO 2010   239 cases of 12   $36.95 

PRUNOTTO BAROLO 2010   199 cases of 12    $40.95  

FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2010   200 cases of 12    $44.95  

ASCHERI SORANA BAROLO 2010   111 cases of 12   $57.95  

PICCINI VILA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   299 cases of 12    $36.95 – A nice comparatively inexpensive Brunello to sip while you wait for the 2010 Banfi below to age and come around. Remember, patience is a virtue though!

DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   149 cases of 12    $43.95

Black Stallion Napa Cabernet 2012 - $32.95 – 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance a blend of the Bordeaux grapes this is as close to a bargain as I could find from Napa. But I’ll wait for next release and buy a cab from Washington St. or Chile.

October 3 Vintages release - a rude awakening

Just back from two and a half weeks enjoying many of the pleasures that Italy has to offer so this week’s release returns us to earth with a thud. A few to choose from and fewer still to get excited about!

ARGENTINA

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS TERROIR MALBEC 2012 222  cases of 12 $22.95 – A late season steak on the BBQ? Well then, here’s this week’s rare beef special.  

AUSTRALIA

 CAPE BARREN NATIVE GOOSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE   259 cases of 12 $19.95 A nice GSM for roast pheasant or other winged creature or perhaps something porcine.  

 CHALK HILL WINES WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ 2013   598 cases of 12 $18.95  

CHILE

 TABALI RESERVA SYRAH 2012   398 cases of 12 $14.95 – I expect this to be the best bargain in the release if you like black cherry with your smokey, meaty, sweaty, olive tinged wines.  From vineyards in the Limari Valley in Chile which happens to be a very good location for syrah.

FRANCE MIDI

   GÉRARD BERTRAND TERROIR CORBIÈRES 2011   499 cases of 12 $16.95 – The only problem with this is that there are too many Bertrand bottles to choose from in most Vintages sections. As good a producer as he is, this seems a Biweekly occurrence now and runs the risk of brand overload.

  DOMAINE LAFAGE CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2013   1197 cases of 12 $19.95 – Jeb Dunnuck will become a name you see more and more in Vintages reviews. Especially as he reviews other regions besides the Rhone. He might be stretching credibility with this score. 93 points is a lot for this vintage and producer but it’ll serve the LCBO well I suppose.  

SICILY

 CUSUMANO NOÀ 2012   332 cases of 12 $22.95  - For fans of big, black reds I recommend that you take a few steps off the beaten path and try this blend. Decant or at least open an hour ahead.

TUSCANY

 FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012   398 cases of 12 $25.95  - A little fruitier than the reserve, great with tomato and or meat sauces.

BIG BUCKS

 TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2012   349 cases of 12 $35.95  Further evidence that James Suckling’s palate has gone south. Can’t possibly be this good and I will not waste $35 to prove it.

 TENUTA SAN VINCENTI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   100 cases of 12 $54.95  The latest of the Chiantis dressed in Brunello pricetags.

 Age alert*****Those already in retirement should seriously consider whether they’ll be around to see each of the following wines in its prime.

CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   224 cases of 12 $59.95 A brilliant vintage across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello and Barolo, here is the latest of the 2010’s. By the way, stay tuned for my notes on our visit to the region and the unanimous perception of the LCBO among producers in Tuscany.

 ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNCIATA BAROLO 2010   224 cases of 12 $44.95 – A brilliant vintage across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello and Barolo, here is the latest of the 2010’s.

 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013   149 cases of 12  $58.95 Do you have a vertical to keep alive? Go for one perhaps. This’ll need 5- 10 years to even consider it to be ready to approach.

Vintages Labour Day Release

Labour Day Weekend signals that the end of summer is almost upon us. For the LCBO it usually signals the beginning of better Vintages releases as we get into autumn. Remember that better is generally accompanied by ‘lots more expensive’ with the LCBO. Check the prices to see.

An interesting side note, there is only one wine from Australia in this release and it’s a white. This may have happened in the recent past but I can’t remember when. On to the picks!

SOUTH AFRICA

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2012 222 cases of 12 $20.95 – Excellent, very well done in a juicy, albeit tannic Bordeaux style. I know that contradicts, but the wine is fruity and tannic so they’re the descriptors I’ve got. Best laid down for a year or so based on past vintages.

SPAIN

OLARRA CLÁSICO RESERVA 2009 501 cases of 12 $18.95  - Let the battles begin! A score of 97 points combined with a sub $20 price point almost guarantees fisticuffs. Schedule your Saturday accordingly!

CHILE

MONTGRAS ANTU SYRAH 2012    2199 cases of 12 $17.00  - A full bodied if somewhat oaky syrah. Look for black fruits, vanilla notes and hints of dark chocolate. While a nice wine this is really no bargain considering how many cases are being bought by the LCBO. For quite some time the 2013 Vintage has also been available at Vintages for 95 cents more. (Update - Now I'm confused! The 2013 and the 2012 are both priced at $17 on the vintages website and as of Sept. 2, all the inventory in store was applied to the 2013, not the 2012. Seems ironic that the Vintages folks can't seem to keep track of different, wait for it, vintages! Shop accordingly.)

MIDI

DOMAINE LAFAGE TESSELLAE CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON OLD VINES 2013  3494 cases of 12 $17.00 . Think of this Domaine Lafage/ Eric Solomon coproduction as an upper price point Cotes du Rhone Villages and don’t forget that you can oft times get a CdR-V of equivalent quality for under $15.  The Tessellae was designed and built for American tastes (Solomon is the American importer) and is the other Food and Drink Special. It was available at some small Mom and Pop stores south of the border for less than $12. so to call it a ‘special’ might be stretching advertising credibility.  

RHÔNE

LE GRAVILLAS GIGONDAS 2013   448 cases of 12 $22.95 – well priced for a Gigondas,  about the same as 2012, but remember there was a poor grenache vintage in the Southern Rhone in 2013 so you may find a different flavor profile than in the past.

TUSCANY

BRANCAIA TRE 2012 476 cases of 12  $23.95  - This scores like mad but like so many Italian wines, it shows its best when  served with food.

CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 235 cases of 12  $29.95 

PICCINI SASSO AL POGGIO 2009   795 cases of 12  $19.95  

VIGNAMAGGIO GHERARDINO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012   243 cases of 12  $24.95

SPAIN

BODEGAS ALTANZA HACIENDA VALVARÉS 2011 471 cases of 12  $19.95  - OK

ABAD DOM BUENO MENCÍA 2008 698 cases of 12  $15.95  - Another Mencia for those seeking a red that’s a little different.

WASHINGTON STATE

SAGELANDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   299 cases of 12 $18.95  - Nice black cherry attack, loamy mid-palate with a moderately long finish. $9.99, yes $9.99, on Amazon.com  

CALIFORNIA – all three of the cabs below finish a close second to Sagelands in my opinion.

KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 616 cases of 12  $22.95  

IRONY SMALL LOT RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 1958 cases of 12 $21.95  

HESS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 782 cases of 12 $24.95  

BIG BUCKS

J.L. CHAVE SELECTION SILÈNE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2013   75 cases of 12  $33.00 – Rack of lamb anyone? Maybe have a J.L. Chave/ Fess Parker syrah off with the winner getting a coon skin cap.

FESS PARKER THE BIG EASY SYRAH 2012 193 cases of 6 $35.95 Best served with beef jerky while  watching black and white reruns of Disney’s Davey Crocket or Daniel Boone. Or if you’re feeling up to colour, go for Old Yeller. Although I usually reserve a Chardonnay (yellow dog after all) and a box of Kleenex for that one.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CUT CABERNET 446 cases of 12 $34.95  - Among if not my favourite Alexander Valley/ Sonoma  cabs and priced where it was last year.
CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 110 cases of 12 $70.95 –Kaching.

 GALLO SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   223 cases of 6 $49.95  

TENUTA DEGLI DEI CAVALLI 2010   240 cases of 6  $49.95

INSPIRACIÓN VALDEMAR GRACIANO 2005 375 cases of 6 $34.95  - Ten years on, this is ready to rock!

VERBENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 247 cases of 12 $39.95

TIGNANELLO 2011   601 cases of 6 $102.95

PATRICK LESEC GALETS BLONDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   108 cases of 12  $56.95  

FERDINANDO PRINCIPIANO DEL COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA   192 cases of 12  $44.95 

August 22nd Vintages - there goes another month!

August 22^nd brings us another Vintages release, this one featuring ‘Top Scoring’ Wines. Scoring can be a subjective thing so try to find reviewers whose palates match your own and read their notes, don’t just go by the numbers. Also, I am not casting aspersions on their character, but not all taste wine simply to taste it, some may be promoting their own agenda (hidden or otherwise). Ahhh BP, so little faith!
On to the wines!
My opinion is the two WOMs are worth buying especially if you're a fan of steaks on the BarB or rare roasts of beef or lamb (or even a well roasted chicken) come winter time.

SOUTH AFRICA (WHITE WINES)

FREE RUN STEEN CHENIN BLANC - $13.95 – A tasty, sophisticated change from Chards and Pinot Grigios especially if oysters are on the menu. YTMV.

LIMESTONE HILL Chardonnay - $15.95 – Unoaked and pretty classy for the price.

RED WINES
ARGENTINA

TRIVENTO GOLDEN RESERVE MALBEC 2012 – 1500 cases  - $19.95 – Three reviews from respected journals – consistent notes – 1 - Lush and intense, 2 - Ripe and rich, 3 - Dark and dense. All over 90 points, you will be getting a real mouthful to go with that steak.

FRANCE

GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR LA CLAPE 1499 cases of 12 $18.95 – Should be good.  I measure all Bertrand wines by  l’Hospitalet from the 2005 and ’07 vintages. Back then at $17.95 that wine was a screaming bargain. Also, if ever presented with an opportunity to try an older vintage (say 2007) L’Hosptalitas do so. It’s almost as good as any Chateauneuf du Pape. The downside is that it is priced accordingly.
AUSTRALIA

TWO HANDS BRAVE FACES GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2012   406 cases of 12  $24.95  - A superior wine especially for fans of GSMs – count me in.
TURKEY FLAT GSM - Five bucks less than the Two Hands and close to if not as good.

WAKEFIELD SHIRAZ 2014   1023 cases of 12 $17.95 – With all the medals festooning this bottle, all it requires is a chrome twist cap and it would look like George C Scott in Patton. Well priced for what you get but this is a common shiraz often carried in Vintages. No big rush to buy here.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

BLACK SAGE VINEYARD MERLOT 2012   335 cases of 6 $22.95 – Time for a little Western Canada wine history here. Harry McWatters was among the pioneers of fine wines in BC and as owner of Sumac Ridge Winery was among the earliest to plant vinifera grapes in the Okanagan.  (Side note: My wife and I took my parents to Sumac Ridge for a wine tasting presided over by the legend himself and it was a memorable occasion). Back to the lesson, Harry bought and turned what was once a golf course into the The Black Sage Vineyard and it became the site of premium grapes grown for Sumac Ridge’s upper tier of wines. Success attracts interest and Sumac Ridge was purchased, first by Vincor, then by Constellation Brands (when they purchased Vincor) but Harry always retained ownership of 50 % of the Black Sage Vineyard. When Harry retired from Constellation a few years back the vineyard was divided into two parts. Harry kept his half and Constellation theirs. They also kept the rights to the name. This has led to a rebranding by Constellation to identify wines from this site as they split Black Sage off from the Sumac Ridge line of wines. The loftily priced Sumac Ridge Pinnacle wine failed to make the cut and was dropped as part of this rebranding.  In case you wondered, the popular Stellers Jay sparkling wine did make the cut and I think is now is a brand unto itself.  As for Harry, I think he’s opened his own winery on his half of the old Black Sage Vineyard.

Wine wise, expect black fruit and mocha/ espresso notes here – try a $20 Ontario merlot heads up to see what a difference longer summer days and a desert environment can make.

ITALY

MICHELE SATTA BOLGHERI ROSSO 2012   299 cases of 12  $22.95 . Good producer, nice wine. Speaking of Michele Satta, my wish is for the LCBO to get the 2006, 2007 or 2010 Piastraia or Il Cavaliere and price them properly (both Satta productions were available earlier this year at the SAQ). That would give us some wines to get really excited about. Dream on, BP!

SPAIN

BALBAS RESERVA 2005   1189 cases of 12 $20.95  - 10 years old, well stored and now ready to be consumed. Tapas time!

WASHINGTON STATE

CHARLES SMITH BOOM BOOM! SYRAH 2013   221 cases of 12  $24.95  - Another of Charles Smith’s very good midrange wines. It requires a certain level of confidence to order this wine from a snooty sommelier in a ‘serious’ restaurant but don’t let that stop you! Also, for any backyard bbq it’s right at home. Black fruits, white pepper, not OZ nor the Rhone but hints of both.

PENDULUM RED 2011   111 cases of 12   $27.95 – A bit of a kichen sink blend, one review for it indicates it’ll be really oaky, so if you’re susceptible to that, be warned.

BIG BUCKS

DOMAINE DURIEU LUCILE AVRIL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   199 cases of 12 $47.95  - Consistently excellent producer, expect a terrific, ageworthy wine. Not cheap but what is?

MOCALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   167 cases of 12 $44.95 – Another Brunello that’s ready to drink or hold.

CASTELLO DI GABBIANO BELLEZZA CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE  2010 - 223 cases of 6  $39.95  - Another Brunello in Chianti Classico Clothing?

ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO ORNELLO 2010   199 cases of 6  $37.95 – Label pays homage to the cowboys of the area so I suggest you might serve with rare beef.  

August 8 Vintages - Yes it is August but this is not an august release.

Another  HoHum release. The nicest thing I can say is it’s mediocre. The Pacific Northwest is featured. There could be and should be some terrific wines available but they’re not here.  I suppose our weaker dollar combined with the LCBO’s inability to go outside their comfort zone left me with nothing to say except that there might be a few more labels available than past features of this region. How’s that for a glowing endorsement? Oregon, Washington State and BC all get at least a few entries.

Also included is the Loire Region of France. One QPR option to try methinks.
WHITES
MULDERBOSCH CHENIN BLANC $14.95 - Terrific on its own or better with shellfish.Chalky, mineraly yet with enough fruit to keep you interested.
CLOS LES MONTYS MUSCADET  SEVRE ET MAIN SUR LIE - $13.95 - Terrific value for sipping with cold cuts or seafood or just on its own on a dock. Think Chardonnay, but not quite, and as an added bonus, it's a little frizzante! 

AUSTRALIA

ROLF BINDER HALES SHIRAZ 2012   798 cases of 12 $19.95  -  Good shiraz, OK priced and lots of it.

WASHINGTON STATE

CHARLES SMITH WINES WINES OF SUBSTANCE CABERNET   448 cases of 12 $24.95  -   Cassis, a hint of herbyness that borders on tobacco, and a soupcon of oak. Smith’s marketing thrust continues with the stark black and white label this time mimicking a periodic table entry. 

MILBRANDT TRADITIONS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   192 cases of 12  $24.95  - $16.99 US from the winery – this is a fine example of Washington State cabernet but like the other Washington St. wines here, it’s no longer a bargain.

 CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   1511 cases of 12 $19.95  - Solid, oaky Washington St. sample. While this wine includes fruit from their Indian Wells and Canoe Ridge vineyards as well as others, one must wonder why one of those specific vineyard offerings did not make the release. This would be the logical release for them, wouldn’t it?

 COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   616 cases of 12 $17.95  - Just below the H3 on the CC totem pole,  this is always a solid performer especially well suited to summer time bbq’s but also winter time roasts.

SEVEN FALLS MERLOT 2012 279 cases of 12 $19.95  - The Seven Falls cab was quite nice. No reason to expect less of the Merlot.

LONE BIRCH SYRAH 2013   179 cases of 12 $18.95  - New one for me…in general Washington likes syrah and syrah really likes the soil and climate there.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

 SANDHILL VANESSA VINEYARD CABERNET/MERLOT 2012   111 cases of 12 $19.95  - From a single vineyard in the Similkameen Valley (parallel to the southern Okanangan), Sandhill works with the vineyard to produce this wine.

 MISSION HILL RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012  322 cases of 12  $26.95 – Among the most successful of the BC producers so they must be doing something right.

FRANCE

Both these wines will probably taste different than what you are used to simply due to the reduced Grenache yields in the 2013 vintage in the Southern Rhone. Look for more syrah in both cases - if you try one of these against a 2012  I’m sure you’ll taste quite a difference.

ORTAS CAVE DE RASTEAU LA DOMELIÈRE RASTEAU 2013 cases of 12 798 $15.95

FAMILLE PERRIN L'ANDÉOL RASTEAU 2013   499 cases of 12 $19.95  

AUSTRALIA

ROLF BINDER HALES SHIRAZ 2012   798 cases of 12 $19.95  -  Good shiraz, OK priced and lots of it.
PUGLIA

ANTICA MASSERIA JORCHE PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2011   249 cases of 12 $21.95 - Match with beef or lamb burgers. 

TUSCANY

MARIA CATERINA DEI DEI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2011   246 cases of 12 $27.95  

ROSÉS

CHÂTEAU VAL JOANIS TRADITION ROSÉ 2014 563 cases of 12  $15.95

 LES VIGNERONS DE TAVEL DOMAINE DES CARTERESSES TAVEL   545 cases of 12  $17.95  

JORGE ORDOÑEZ RIO MADRE GRACIANO ROSÉ 2014   399 cases of 12 $13.95  

BOUVET-LADUBAY BOUVET BRUT EXCELLENCE CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX   351 cases of 12  $17.95  

BIG BUCKS

BALNAVES SHIRAZ 2009   127 cases of 12 $33.95  - Cote Rotie meets Coonawarra. Or is that Cote Rotie meats Coonawarra? A very bad play on words to highlight the meaty aromas from the shiraz. A well respected Aussie producer, Balnaves Coonawarra shiraz is very good. Most,if not all years, it contains a small amount of viognier as well.

COURTIL - THIBAUT CLOS DES BRUSQUIÈRES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU- PAPE 111 cases of 12 $47.95  - A small family run operation producing a more traditional style of CdP.

PAOLO CONTERNO RIVA DEL BRIC BAROLO 2010   248 cases of 12 $39.95 – Not unlike Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo can be a love it or leave it wine and certainly one that will age. This is a well priced effort from a great vintage and a good producer if you’re looking for a cellar starter.

VILLA MANGIACANE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009   197 cases of 6 $48.95 

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.