A few goodies, but look around for some leftovers from the 11th too. It was such a good release! This week’s highlight - big Amarones all around $50 bucks. I think the top two Valpolicellas will deliver more QPR pleasure, but if you must try an Amarone, I’d go with the Zenato.
My Picks ( including a white and a website):
HEDGES CELLARS CMS 2006 Columbia Valley, Wash. St. I like Hedges and I like Washington reds CabSauv, Merlot and Syrah should be soft and rich $17.95
DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 –Take two guys from a Cult Winery and a great vineyard location and you get as good a wine as Cloudy Bay at almost half the price! guava fruit, hints of basil and silky citrus mineral spine $21.95
ZONIN VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO 2006 – should be Really good $19.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006 – Never met a Capitel dei Nicalo I didn’t like – going back 7 years! $18.95
Not often I pick a website but https://www.vintagesshoponline.com/vintages/ has just opened up and beginning soon will be a new channel for all wine fans to access more varied options from the world, I hope!
The Rest
Lurton Reserva MAlbec – not sure why it’s a reserva – good for the price tho.13.95
Two Chilean Cabs at 19.95 and 22.95 – neither one as good as last week’s Pick – find it, there’s more around still.
CATHEDRAL CELLAR CHARDONNAY 2005 TASTING NOTE: smoky, oaky chardonnay. A bargain if you like smoke a rerelease I think$14.95
CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ 2004 ... savoury with brambly fruit, well-dusted with black pepper; Measured opulence? I have to remember that one! It’ll get me laughed out of the kitchen! Very well priced $16.95
TWO HANDS LUCKY COUNTRY SHIRAZ 2006 – Standard Barossa Big fruit, well priced $17.95
WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – Sorry I cannot recommend this – the 2002 was in the regular list at $20 bucks. Reduced to clear at $15 – what a buy! Can’t bring myself to spend this much for it now! $24.95 Score - 95. (Jeremy Oliver) No way! – maybe 89-90.
WAKEFIELD SHIRAZ 2006 Good value. Score - 90. $18.95
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE MERITAGE 2005 VQA Niagara – 2005 was a great year here. Intensely flavoured, medium full-bodied red , let it breath a bit. $24.95
ELDERTON SHIRAZ 2005. Single vineyard, nose of smoke, tar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied and voluptuous,( sounds like Pam Anderson in a glass!) it is dense ( even more like Pam Anderson!) and concentrated, with gobs of spicy black fruit flavors.. $32.95
SEGHESIO ZINFANDEL 2006 BBQ wines. Always good- Shows robust black cherry and spice aromas and blackberry jam and licorice flavors. The tannins firm up the finish. Drink now through 2012. Score - 91. ($24.95) and BEAULIEU VINEYARD ZINFANDEL 2005 Want to compare two good Zin’s? Now is your chance! 25.95
NINO NEGRI SFURSAT VALTELLINA 2004 – 3 0f 3 from Gambero rosso – a rare thing! Think $34.95 for a great Barolo! But please be patient with it.
TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA 2003 - WS Top 100 Wine – It’s OK. dried flowers and very ripe fruits, with a Christmas pudding undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. A little Port-like, but rich and impressive. Best after 2010. Score - 91. $29.95
The Big Ticket Items of the week
Zenato Amarone – would be my pick among the Amarones
ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG, Unfiltered – always a great wine! Drink while the Theme from the Godfather is playing! 91. $63.95
LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2006, a blend of Merlot, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc and Petit Verdot, is a bright and fruity wine with red and black berries tinged by subtle oak flavours of chocolate and clove. Previous vintages have consistently been rated in the 90s by top wine critics. $59.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LUCE 2005 TASTING NOTE: Shows blackberry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety, almost chewy tannins and lots of rich fruit that finishes with a vanilla bean and coffee aftertaste. Rich and delicious, but will be better with a few years of bottle age. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best after 2011. Score - 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) $99.95
Instore Discoveries
Christmas is coming so out come the big bottles including lots of high priced stuff for collectors including
JOSEPH PHELPS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 1500 mL A Big Bottle $151.95 -
