My anticipated highlightof this release is from the Rhone:
ALAIN JAUME & FILS CLOS DE SIXTE 2005 The 2005 Lirac Clos de Sixte is one of Jaume's best selections and continues to be a star as well as a sleeper selection in 2005. A wine of considerable intensity, with a deep ruby/purple color, hints of blueberries, white flowers, some sweet cherry and chocolate, smoke, and earth, this is a full-bodied, intense wine that can be drunk now or cellared for up to a decade. Score - 90-92. $26.95 – Hunt it down and buy a lot , I think!
Chile
SANTA CAROLINA BARRICA SELECTION MERLOT 2006a well-made 100% Merlot that you can drink now or hold another four or five years. It's well-balanced, with intense and layered flavours that mesh with a medium-plus body, smooth texture, and moderate tannic dryness. Drink it with rich pasta dishes or with red meats. $14.95
Spain
BODEGAS CASTAÑO HÉCULA MONASTRELL 2005 Always a bargain value…let it breathe.Inky violet. Deep cherry and cassis aromas complicated by an array of floral, mineral and herbal nuances. Powerful dark fruit flavors are firmed by solid tannins and lifted by gentle minerality. Picks up smoked meat and anise notes on the long, chewy finish. This could be a Bandol. Is the average buyer at this price point ready for this? Another amazing value. $13.95
ÒNIX FUSIÓ 2006 as I recall the ’04 was a massive, delicious, fruit bomb! Priorat wines are predominantly composed of Garnacha (Grenache), most of which are old vines planted on low fertility slate and quartz-based soil called licorella. This Garnacha-based wine is filled with plum, leather, vanilla and cocoa aromas and flavours. $27.95
Italy
BANFI CENTINE 2006 TASTING NOTE: Very rich and ripe aromas of blackberry and earth follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a long finish. Shows lovely flavors. One of the best values from Tuscany this year. Best after 2007. Score - 88. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007) $17.95
ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE 2006 TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Le Volte is especially generous in this vintage. This plump, juicy wine bursts from the glass with an array of super-ripe dark plums, cherries, smoke and licorice. It is an engaging, rewarding wine to enjoy over the next few years. Le Volte is made from Sangiovese which is purchased from outside producers plus Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, June 2008) $25.95
ALLEGRINI PALAZZO DELLA TORRE 2004 for fans of Valpoli’s and AmaronesTASTING NOTE: Allegrini's Palazzo della Torre (70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese) has long been one of my favorite ripasso-style wines and the 2004 is another winner. It reveals a plump, juicy personality loaded with perfumed, jammy fruit, roasted coffee beans and new leather. it is irresistible today, a few additional months of bottle age should help soften the wine further. 24.95
LA BRACCESCA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2004 TASTING NOTE: As is characteristic of the vintage, the 2004 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano shows a noticeably darker, livelier color than the 2003, with more delineation in its aromas and flavors. It is vibrant and full of life, with a layered quality to its fruit, terrific length and a finessed, long finish. Another few years in the bottle will be beneficial,. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. $27.95
France – Rhone
As well as my top pick there are a couple of high priced ’05 CNdP’s
DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE 2005TASTING NOTE: ... this wine shows a dense ruby/purple color and a gorgeous nose of camphor, blackberry, kirsch, some roast beef and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied with great intensity, beautiful purity, a multi-dimensional mouthfeel, and a spectacular finish of close to a minute, this is a fabulous effort from Quiot and should drink well for close to two decades. Score - 94. $54.95
DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2005 Dark and muscular, this is layered with lots of plum, blackberry and black cherry fruit backed by mocha, game, plum sauce and graphite notes. The long, fleshy finish lets the fruit and minerality sing. The best in a long time from this producer. Best from 2008 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Score - 93. $41.95
A bordeaux!
CHÂTEAU FONRÉAUD 2005 TASTING NOTE: Rich, full and dense, this shows considerable elegance. The fruits are black, and concentrated. There is a smooth layer of wood that adds to the complexity as well as opening the wine. Score - 91. $33.95
OZ
Grant Burge ‘150th Anniversary Release’ Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvèdre 2003 Should be a dynamite wine – think Rosemount GSM – from a terrific producer. Probably one to chase down and find not cheap and but I expect there to be competition for this one.
