Highlights of a nice weekend

The highlight of the weekend was a bottle of Frescobaldi's 2007 Tenuta di Castiglioni. This blend of Cab Sauv, Sangiovese, Merlot is traditionally an 89 - 90 point wine. An apparent addition of a bit of Cab Franc (and do I detect a drop of Petit Verdot) combined with the spectacular growing conditions of the 2007 vintage makes it an over the top bargain equivalent to Super Tuscans 3 times the price and more! At $21.95 it is a screaming buy. Rich, red and black fruit on the front of the palate, dark espresso flavours that ebb and flow then linger as the bottle is exposed to air. Tannins ,soft upon opening, gaining grip, then over a short time, softening again. Seems improbable but that's what I got. This wine will age and change gracefully if allowed to but who can wait? Buy cases.

Also over the weekend, we had a houseful of friends for a little pre Christmas cheer. Finger foods were the order of the day and ranged from cheeses ( brie, Bleu, and 6 year old cheddar), to coldcuts, to tortellinis on a skewer with a creamy pesto dip, to a full filet of beef BBQ'd for small, make your own sandwiches, thru sushi and all the way to chili. The filet was given an ample covering with cracked black pepper then coated with Barberian's steak spices and thrown onto a searing hot bbq. 8 minutes, one quarter turn for 3, one quarter turn for 8 then another quarter turn for 3 then off onto a platter and immediately covered in tin foil for 10 minutes more or so to let it rest. Winter BBQ'ing can be dicey time wise and heat wise, but this one turned out almost perfect - maybe a little too seared, but you have to keep the heat up when it's 0 degrees Celsius outside.

Wines served were Luigi Bosca Chardonnay, Luigi Bosca Malbec 2006, les Cardinalices du Rhone 2007, and a couple of Cabernets Sauvignons from Columbia Crest Two Vines to Rex Watson from OZ.

The Malbec seemed to be the overall favourite among the crowd, however the Cotes du Rhone more than held its own (poetry from the host). The malbec was terrific with the rare filet, the CdR a very tasty accompaniment to the basil infused flavours of the creamy pesto. The chardonnay seemed to go nicely with it too but I couldn't drag myself from the reds.

What a great time of year! To everyone who came and especially to everyone who so generously brought us a gift, thank you so much and a very, Merry Christmas!

Last release of the year- Dec.05, 2009.

Ahhh technology, I'm ending the year by trying something new. Embedded links to the Vintages Catalogue...you might need to adjust your browser settings for this to work but let me know if you like this format or if you prefer the old tried and true list.

I've provided links to what I consider the good ones below, but my top picks right now are the Pirramimma Shiraz, Helfrich Pinot Gris, and Bertrand's L'Hospitalet but I might switch for a Cotes du Rhone(see note below), all under $20.


http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/39


The Luigi Bosca reserve Chardonnay and the Le Mascota Cab from Argentina should both provide real pleasure at very reasonable prices.Both are $17.95

http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/41

If you want to splurge on a big buck Cabernet, go for the Don Melchor. It's overpriced at $69.95 but what the hell, it's Christmas! This wine was in the mid -$40's a few years ago!


http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/43

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Aussie Shiraz or Shiraz Blends, but I've always been partial to the Pirramimma, and at $19.95 this is a superior product for the price.

http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/44

Go for the Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc from NZ if you're looking for something to acompany any seafood. $19.95

http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/46

From France, the Helfrich Pinot Gris seems a wonderful buy at $13.95 for a WS 90 pointer!

http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/49

Bertrand's Chateau L'Hospitalet 2005 was a fave two years ago. The '07 Vintage should be really good and it is one of my picks, but it did not stand out at the tasting according to a palate-wise Vintages Consultant friend of mine. So while it's still a pick, it'll be a 'buy one and taste it' pick to see how it stacks up. $19.95

http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/4768/50

Two Cotes du Rhones - One the WoM from the terrific Alain Jaume, Domaine Grand Veneur@$19.95, the other 5 bucks less, both should be very good.

And there are a number of Big Buck wines in this release - I'd go for the Don Melchor then stick it in the basement for a few years, but the Antinori Guado al Tasso is a close second at $89.95. The Schaefer One point Five and the Silver Oak are good but too much for me!

Proof that the economy is suffering, The Bacio Davino 'Call Me Crazy' has come down in price by $30 bucks from a few years ago - well LCBO price anyway.

Meantime, in spite of the Australian wine glut, The St. Henri is going the other way price wise. Kudos to Penfolds propaganda er sorry, marketing team for linking its origins to the wildly expensive Grange (making it "The Baby Grange" if you will) but sorry, it's just too much now.

And last but not least, remember, January's first release is usually a bargain release and there is usually a big bin end sale early in the new year so keep watching for it!

Christmas is coming...so are the big prices at your local LCBO

It’s the holidays. This week’s release is a great one to suck up to the boss with a big name, big buck Californian, but instead, why not suck up to yourself and pick up some of these fabulous wines for far, far less!

MARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2007 IGT Toscana The buy of the release. Get out early and pick up a demi douzaine at the very least! But find a dark quiet cool spot for it for a few years. Best after 2013 according to James - Score – 93. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2009) $ 21.95

RUFFINO MODUS 2006 IGT Toscana. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2010. Score – 91.
(James Suckling,.winespectator.com,) Another super Tuscan at one third the price! Buy, buy , buy. $ 28.95

ROCCA MAURA LIRAC 2007 AC Another Southern Rhone beauty - Lirac wines must contain at least 40% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault in support. This should be terrific and very well priced $ 16.95

DOMAINE GALÉVAN PAROLES DE FEMME CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 AC Back by Popular demand and a buck or two more this time, but still a wonderful easy drinking Cotes du Rhone from a great vintage.$ 15.00

GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2004– 94.points but remember it’s James Halliday – expect closer to 90 but a terrific GSM $ 29.95

ALTAÏR SIDERAL 2004 Rapel Valley Altaïr Vineyards & Winery is an exciting partnership between
Bordeaux’s Laurent Dassault and Chile’s Viña San Pedro whose vision is to create a Grand Cru wine from
Chile. 92 points! (www.erobertparker.com, June 2007) $ 24.95

ATALAYA ALMANSA 2007 . Score – 91.(Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com,Aug. 2008) $ 21.95

KAIKEN ULTRACABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 $ 19.95

HECHT & BANNIER CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON-VILLAGES 2006 AC If you liked last year’s, try this one. but don’t go crazy, there are better ones from the Rhone instead. $ 22.95

ARGIANO NC NON CONFUNDITUR 2006IGT Toscana This is one of the first Tuscan wines closed with
a screwcap. Yikes, progress….drink 2008-2016. Score – 90. www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008) $ 24.95

ELDERTON ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Barossa, South Australia Doug’s Favourite! This family-owned winery built its reputation on premium Cabs and Shiraz. Score – 91. $ 29.95

ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG Score – 90. Only this far down because it’s a Vintages Essential so you should be able to get this almost any time. $ 19.95
TORBRECK WOODCUTTER’S SHIRAZ 2008 Barossa Valley, South Australia $ 25.95 Always sa favourite, but this year I may take a pass on it.

CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA 2007 Bierzo’s Mencia,makes a repeat performance Score – 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) $ 16.95

CASTILLO LABASTIDA RESERVA 2004 $ 23.95 a traditionally styled Rioja made from 100% Tempranillo that was aged in seasoned French and American oak. It will offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2020. Score – 90.

Vintages Nov.07 Release

“Affordable”, what a lovely word, especially if you are planning a big party. Any wines that come in at less than $20 ( or even better, less than $15) but taste like $25 or more fit this category in my book.

My Picks for the week:
Les Vignerons du Castelas 2007 Cotes du Rhone ($13.95) Back up the truck for this one.
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Terra Barossa Cuvee ($14.95 ) Having a party? Load up!
Pierre Amadieu 2007 La Grangeliere Vacqueyras ($21.95) – Just over the $20 mark, but a wonderful vintage and an upgrade over the normal Cotes Du Rhone.

Argentina
Zuccardi ‘Q’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $19.95 Fuzion’s Bigger, Cabernet brother
Vina Cobos Felino 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95) – I expect a juicy, rich wine.
Australia
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Terra Barossa Cuvee ($14.95 ) Having a party? Load up!
Thorn-Clarke 2007 Shotfire Quartage ($23.95) Should be lots going on here. Consider it the big brother to Terra Barossa
Gemtree Vineyards 2008 Bloodstone Shiraz-Viognier $17.95
Elderton Friends – you can’t go wrong here
Yalumba Shiraz/Viognier - very nice
Pirammimma Cab - alway s one of my preferred Aussie producers. Their Shiraz is a biannual WS Top 100.

Grant Burge 2007 Filsell Old Vine Shiraz ($29.95) OK so it’s over the affordable ceiling but it’s always very good ( and Big)
Chile
Montes Alpha Cabernet 2007 – Watch out, there might still be some ’06 hanging around too. Try them both!
Concha Y Toro 2007 Winemaker’s Lot 115 Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.95) – I’m a big Concha Y Toro fan…
France – Red …
Pierre Amadieu 2007 La Grangeliere Vacqueyras ($21.95) – Just over the $20 mark, but a wonderful vintage and an upgrade over the normal Cotes Du Rhone.
Les Vignerons du Castelas 2007 Cotes du Rhone ($13.95) Back up the truck for this one. .
Perrin Vinsobres Les Cornuds - should be superb
Italy – Red …
Antinori 2004 Pian Delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino ($67.95) –
La Braccesca Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 ($27.95)
Renzo Masi Chianti 2007 ($13.95) great price, great vintage in Chianti – Think Cotes du Rhone made with Sangiovese
A-Mano Primitivo 2007 $15.95 – Should be a good one for bargain Zin Fans
Tedeschi ‘Capitel dei Nicalò’ Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2007 - $16.95 – Still a fave, just so many others available too

Spain – Red …
Castell Del Remei Gotim Bru 2006 ($19.95) – Normally a 90 pointer from Parker but in the past, I haven’t ‘got it’
Las Rocas Garnacha 2006 – flew out of the stores in the last release of it.

Now that's more like it! Kudos to the Vintages team for this release!!!

A spectacular release with so many ( too many) great wines from which to choose:
My Picks are MONTE ANTICO SANGIOVESE/MERLOT/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 The Bargain of the release $14.95
THORN-CLARKE SHOTFIRE SHIRAZ 2008. $23.95
TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 TASTING NOTE: $20.95
TWO HANDS BELLA'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2007 $63.95
OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2006 Probably the best one yet! $39.95
LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007.. lay it down for 5 years at least! $59.95
CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 Best after 2011. Score – 95. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, April 30, 2009) 375 mL $26.95 750 mL $49.95
BERONIA RESERVA 2005 . $17.95
DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2007. Saturated purple in color,- interesting, last years was pomegranate/ cranberry tones – either way it should be terrific $23.95

With very near top pick ratings going to :

WALLACE BY BEN GLAETZER SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2007 $24.95
GEMTREE UNCUT SHIRAZ 2007: $24.95
KATNOOK ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $29.95
RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $19.95
Arboleda CARMENÈRE Comes highly recommended, especially if you’re off on a sea cruise! $16.95
VASSE FELIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006. $29.95
HEARTLAND DIRECTORS' CUT SHIRAZ 2007 $31.95
Brancaia Ilatraia – ISD - 92 pts - WS
LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2007 1500ml $129.95
LE SERRE NUOVE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2007 TASTING NOTE: 3000 mL $274.95

And still more good ones right here!

7 DEADLY ZINS 2007 $24.95
DYNAMITE VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005: $15.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC - Always great and well priced $14.95
TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES MALBEC RESERVA 2007 TASTING NOTE: Score - 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2009) $19.95
TRIVENTO AMADO SUR 2007) $16.95
CAFÉ CULTURE PINOTAGE 2009 A Coffee Cult cult wine $13.95
CATHEDRAL CELLAR TRIPTYCH 2006 . $16.95
LA VITE LUCENTE 2007 $39.95
LE SERRE NUOVE DELL' ORNELLAIA 2007 $59.95
PAPA LUNA 2007 Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) $16.95

The Vintages October 10th release - Not Bad, but I'll wait

Not a bad release but having seen the next one, I’m saving my money for it. If I were to spend, I’d buy the two Shiraz from OZ or something from the west coast, there are three Cali offerings that look good, as well as a couple from the Okanagan.
From Italy, I like some of them, but again, they are overshadowed by the release of the 24th.
ITALIA
Malgrà Fornace di Cerreto Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2006 $17.95

Le Arche Ripasso Valpolicella 2007 $17.95
Terra d’Aligi ‘Tatone’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2005 $15.95
Tenuta di Capraia Chianti Classico 2006 $19.95
Trerose Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2006 DOCG Vino Nobile di Montepulciano $24.95

Ontari-ari-ario
Inniskillin ‘Winemaker’s Series Montague Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2007 - A good turkey choice methinks$18.95
BC
Burrowing Owl Pinot Gris 2007 - luv those BC-gris!$27.95


Sumac Ridge ‘Black Sage Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $23.95

CALIFORNIA
Candor ‘Lot 1’ Merlot California $18.95

Leese-Fitch Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 California $17.95 - This might be the best bargain in the release.
Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $22.95

Chile
Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $17.95 - Interesting to compare this one and the Leese Fitch


OZ
Bishop by Ben Glaetzer Shiraz 2007 Barossa Valley - Massive, Elderton or Ebeneezer flavour profile - $29.95

Shingleback Shiraz 2006 McLaren Vale - Terrific producer, great region $23.95

SPAIN
Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez ‘Tinto Pesquera Crianza’ 2006 $29.95 


THE BIG BUCKS
Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez ‘Tinto Pesquera Reserva’ 2005 $47.95
Miguel Torres ‘Mas La Plana’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 $44.95
Frescobaldi Castello di Nipozzano Mormoreto 2006 $29.95 375mL $59.95 750 mL
FATTOI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 DOCG earthy and decadent - 90. $38.95
IL GRIGIO DA SAN FELICE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005. Drink now. Score - 90. $28.95
COLLAZZI 2005 92 points- $46.95
IN STORE DISCOVERIES
A couple of BC Beauts, but the Sandhill is overpriced here.
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE MERITAGE 2006 OKANAGAN $24.95
SANDHILL SMALL LOTS CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH 2006 OKANAGAN, $30.95

Vintages Sept. 26 Release - Now that's more like it!

A better release, featuring mostly overpriced Californians, a big batch of Bordeaux from cheap to exhorbitant, and a nice cross section of mid priced whites and reds from around the world.

The Whites
DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 – ANYONE WHO READS ME KNOWS THAT PERENNIALLY I LIKE THIS WINE – just great with seafood. $19.95
SILENI CELLAR SELECTION PINOT GRIS 2009 – I’m going to recommend this one without trying it first. The review makes it seem like one of my BC favourites – the Kettle Valley Pinot Gris $16.95
MARTIN STEIMER PINOT GRIS 2008 - Try it, you might like it - $17.95
CASA DE VILA VERDE VINHO VERDE For a slightly different white $13.95

Lets have a Chard-fest!
LE CLOS JORDANNE TALON RIDGE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2007 -Yadda, yadda , yadda, Ontario cult wine, yadda yadda $37.00

and now 3 good Chards to compare heads up
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA CHARDONNAY 2007 $19.95
JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CHARDONNAY 2008 $17.95

MONTES LIMITED SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $14.95 – Should be good, but not in the Dog Point's class.


The Reds

Ontario
ANGELS GATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Ontario's 2005 Vintage was almost as good as the ’07 $19.95
B.C.
SUMAC RIDGE BLACK SAGE VINEYARD MERLOT 2006 $19.95

Argentina

ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - A TERRIFIC BARGAIN ALWAYS - $13.95

CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 – A TERRIFIC WINE – BIG, FRUITY AND WITH A LITTLE DECANTING, READY TO DRINK. REPORTS ON THIS BAD BOY HAVE HIM BEING A TANNIC BRUISER SO GIVE IT TIME IN A TUB AND THROW ON A STEAK! $23.95

LUIGI BOSCA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - THE BOSCA RESERVA MALBEC, ALSO IN THIS RELEASE IS A FAVOURITE. I EXPECT THE SAME FROM THE CABERNET - 89. (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2009) $16.95

LUIGI BOSCA RESERVA MALBEC 2006 - I LIKE THIS WINE. This vintage is no exception!- 90(+?). (Stephen Tanzer Jan./Feb. 2009) $16.95
MAIPE MALBEC 2008 – A tremendous review for a $12.95 wine. Snap some up, it’ll be gone fast, I’m sure! Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Dec. 2008) $12.95

Australia

PILLAR BOX RED 2007- SHIRAZ/CAB/ MERLOT FROM OZ – A GOOD BUY - Score - 90. (Jay Miller, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009) $17.95

My Rhone Pick

TERRES D'AVIGNON CARDINALICES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – EVERY 2007 COTES DU RHONE THAT I’VE HAD HAS SENT ME BACK FOR MORE. I EXPECT THE SAME FROM THIS ONE – AT THIS PRICE, BACK UP THE TRUCK! $13.95

Italy

ILLUMINATI RIPAROSSO MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO Very good wine for the price. Score - 88. $13.95

TRAVAGLINI GATTINARA 2003 Second time around for this wine and vintage. It made it on to Wine Spectator's list of the Top 100 Wines of 2007. Needs to be left alone in the cellar for a few years though. Or open it at noon to serve at 6:00pm. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $27.95

SASSO AL POGGIO 2004. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com) $23.95

ORNELLAIA LE VOLTE 2007 - Always tasty – a bit overpriced against some of the bargains available in this release. $27.95

ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2007 – QUALITY PRODUCER, WELL PRICED. $16.95

Spain

BERONIA ELABORACIÓN ESPECIAL TEMPRANILLO 2007 Elaboración Especial (special production) refers to the barrel fermentation this wine undergoes over several months in new American oak. Previous Beronias were super values for the quality in the glass.$16.95

CONDADO DE HAZA CRIANZA 2006 – Last year’s also made the WS Top100. Terrific quality, lots of fruit. Decant to let it breathe a bit. Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, Sept./Oct. 2008) $27.95

OK, Ok, one Californian

NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – THE REVIEW READS LIKE IT MIGHT BE ON PAR WITH A $20 CHILEAN – WE SHALL SEE. $21.95

IN STORE DISCOVERIES – SO THESE’LL BE IN VERY LIMITED STORES AND QUANTITIES

SANDHILL PHANTOM CREEK VINEYARD MALBEC 2006 You can buy a lot of terrific malbec from Argentina for $30 bucks ( almost two Luigi Bosca’s for instance) but sometimes you just have to try something because it’s there. This is one of those things! A Malbec from the Okanagan @ $29.95


THE BIG BUCK ONES:
ALMOST ANYTHING FROM CALIFORNIA

ORNELLAIA (IN A VARIETY OF SIZES BY THE WAY!) STARTING AT $174.95

RUFFINO DUCALE ORO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 $43.95

The September 12 Vintages Release - Ho hum.....

A nice wide selection of Ontario Wines from Niagara and a few from PEC as well as a few underappreciated Portuguese selections highlight this release. I didn't see too much to get excited about.

MY PICKS

ERTA E CHINA ROSSO DI TOSCANA 2006 – A 90 POINT SCORE FROM JAMES SUCKLING FOR UNDER 15 BUCKS!!!! Get there early on Saturday, or late Friday evening and BACK UP THE TRUCK! If it's not that good, you can always return it! Dark chocolate, berry, mineral and strawberry aromas follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. So good now. Sangiovese and CabSauv. Drink now. Score - 90. (James Suckling Oct. 15, 2008) $14.95

DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-EPINE LIRAC 2007 AC The 2007 Lirac Roc-Epine is a richly fruity effort offering hints of fresh black raspberries, cherries, licorice, and earth. With abundant fruit, full body as well as loads of character Score - 90-92. (Robert Parker Jr, Oct. 2008) $19.95

BENMARCO MALBEC 2006 Mendoza Had this one’s big brother out in BC. It was excellent and I expect this to be on par with the Kaiken or Luigi Bosca Reservas. You might want to decant it and be sure you serve it alongside something that once moo’ed. Purple-colored I expect judicious oak, smoke, and black cherry with enough tannin to allow several years of development. Score - 91+. (Jay Miller,2007) $19.95

ONTARIO
TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA MERLOT/CABERNET 2007 – THE BUZZ IS ALL OVER THE 2007 ONTARIO VINTAGE SO WHAT THE HECK – THIS IS A GOOD STARTING POINT. $19.95
You might also spring for the Clos Jordanne Pinot, or try the Rosehall Run or Huff Chardonnay to see how far the Prince Edward County wines have come in a very short time.


A couple of Spaniards that might be OK, don't buy too many without trying them first though:

MAS ESTELA QUINDALS 2005 The 2005 Quindals is 90% Garnacha, 5% Syrah, and 5% Carinena aged for 12 months in French oak – sort of a heavy on the Grenache Rhone blend….well priced and while I find Jay Miller’s scores a little inflated, 88+ is a great wine for under 20 bucks.. - 90+. (Jay MillerFeb. 2008) $19.95

TORREDEROS TINTO CRIANZA 2004 .. I do not expect a fruit bomb, but it looks interesting. Aromas of pencil lead, earth, mushroom, vanilla, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, it has excellent depth, length, and balance. Score - 91. (Jay Miller) $24.95

August 29th, A late list! Forgive me, I'm just back from beautiful B.C.!

Ahh two weeks in God's country gives one a whole new perception of the LCBO when it comes to wine pricing, especially when you see some of the prices in the sale that started on Saturday!
We enjoyed some superb BC wines, Kettle Valley Pinot Gris, Quail's Gate Rose and JT's Sun Rock Vineyard Shiraz jump to mind but I wasn't about to duplicate last year's 'wine in the suitcase' fiasco so not much made the return trip to the east.

So back to the business at hand, some good ones in this past weekend's release:
Three from South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2008 Mendoza - Great value, I’m not sure it’s an 89 but …. Score - 89. (Bruce Stephen, North Shore Outlook (B.C.), $13.95
SANTA JULIA SYRAH ROSÉ 2008 Mendoza- a great buy for a late summer rose $11.95
APALTAGUA ENVERO GRAN RESERVA 2007 Colchagua Valley, Apalta Vineyard Selection This wine earned Gold Medals this year at both the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Monde Selection International Wine Contest. Made with Carmenère and a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon, $15.95
Three from OZ
BALLAST STONE MERLOT 2006 – One of Gord Stimmel’s weekend picks - $16.95

BRANSON COACH HOUSE GREENOCK BLOCK SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, South AustraliaCould be an Ebeneezer at 15 bucks less – might be worth it to buy a box (of 6) if you can find it!. Score - 93. (Harvey Steiman, www.winespectator.com) $24.95

ROLF BINDER HEINRICH SHIRAZ/MATARO/GRENACHE 2006 – It’ll be interesting to compare this to the ChateauNeuf du PApes - $29.95

One lonely Italian

CECCHI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2004 another One of Gord Stimmel’s weekend picks - $24.95

Two from Spain

ÈTIM SELECCIÓN 2006 – a 90 pointer at $15 bucks. Gotta be worth a buy!The 2006 Etim Seleccion is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Carinena, [Carignan] and 10% Syrah aged for 6 months in seasoned French and American oak. If you want to experience Priorat without paying the price, this is the way to go. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com,) $15
LAN GRAN RESERVA . Score - 90. (Thomas Matthews, www.winespectator.com,) $24.95

And three from the Rhone

LES GALETS ROUGES CHÂTEAU MOURGUES DU GRÈS 2007 $14.95
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HAUTE PIERRE 2007 DELAS – ageworthy $ 35.95 - 91 from WS and 92 from Parker.
VACQUEYRAS DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE 2005 (91-93). (R. Parker erobertparker.com) $24.95

For now, I'll go for the Branson Coach House and go looking through the weekend sale list too.

August 15th Release - Not too much but to get excited about

Upon seeing the cover of the latest Vintages catalogue, " Chile's Brilliant Showstoppers", I thought OH BOY a batch of Smoking Wines , available in big quantities! But No, Marketing strikes again! What they meant to say was " These 3 Chilean varieties of grapes can sometimes result in making "Chile's Brilliant Showstoppers" but not in this Vintages catalogue! Ah well, there are a few good picks...

Chile focus
Santa Rita ‘Medalla Real’ Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Maipo Valley, Chile $19.95 – Always a favourite – let it breathe for a while and have a big slab of something red!
Laura Hartwig Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Colchagua Valley, Chile $13.95 – Well priced!Tabalí Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $14.95
Two nice chard’s, expensive for Chile, but s.b. good.Cono Sur ‘20 Barrels’ Chardonnay 2007 Chile $24.95 –Montes Alpha Chardonnay 2007 Chile $22.95
Best of the Rest!Burrowing Owl Syrah 2005 VQA Okanagan Valley $48.95 – AS close to a cult wine as we get here in the GWN – buy one for a special occasion or if you want to impress a visitor with our wines. Just don’t tell them what you paid…the Ebeneezer is more wine for less.
Barossa Valley Estate ‘Ebenezer’ Shiraz 2004 Barossa Valley, South Australia $39.95 Stupendous wine, always a real mouthful!
Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 California $24.95 – Always tasty
Barossa Valley Estate ‘Ebenezer’ Cabernet – almost as good for you Cab fans. Definitely a Barossa cab!
George Wyndham ‘Founder’s Reserve’ Shiraz 2005 $22.95 Lots of medals-well priced
Château Roquetaillade ‘La Grange Vielles Vignes’ 2005 $21.95 Always a 90 pointer in WS. At this price, I’d buy one…me, a Bordeaux? I must need a break!
Frescobaldi 'Tenuta di Castiglioni' Cabernet Sauvignon/Sangiovese 2006 IGT Toscana $21.95 Take off another couple of $$’s and it’ll be priced right. Otherwise, stick to the Chilean Cabs.Chile focus

August 1 Vintages Release ( Or The where oh where has the summer gone? release)

Ahhh, summer time and my wallet gets to take a breather. The best pick is sub-$12, from the great ’07 Rhone vintage. I wish there was more variety in the B.C. selections but then, I don’t expect to see many Ontario wines in B.C. either!
There are a few other picks as well and only one makes it over $25. - it’s an (as always) overpriced Californian.

DOMAINE DU GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2007 - should be terrific and who can beat the price?! $11.95

CHÂTEAU DE NAGES RÉSERVE 2007 – Should also be very tasty $14.95

DE MARTINO LEGADO RESERVA SYRAH 2006 Score - 90. Sounds like a lovely Syrah from Chile. If you liked last year's Antu Ninquen, take a run at this bad boy (90 pts. Molesworth, winespectator.com,) $16.95

Best of BC? Well Best they can do at the LCBO anyway…

I love the SEE YA LATER RANCH CHARDONNAY 2007 but at $20.95 it’s a bit expensive, go for the Inniskillen Okanagan Chard at $13.95 instead.
JACKSON-TRIGGS PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 $22.95- Try the equivalent from Niagara and serve them blind!

SANDHILL MERLOT 2006 – Interesting to compare it to the Columbia Crest from Washington St. $19.95

MISSION HILL FAMILY ESTATE RESERVE SHIRAZ 2006 $22.95
COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES MERLOT 2005 A terrific winery , annually their Merlot is very good. – 88 points seems too low. $19.95

BABICH BLACK LABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 NZ- Typical NZ quality at $17.95

GRANT BURGE BAROSSA VINES SHIRAZ 2006 - Probably an 88 or 89 to my palate $17.95


DE BORTOLI DB SELECTION ROSÉ 2008 Nothing says summer quite like a rosé even if you’re having it while sitting watching the rain fall like we are this summer! - $12.95

ROBERT HALL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – A bit expensive for what you get but not bad - $29.95

Vintages July 18th release - some terrific selections for under $20

A strong Aussie release punctuated by bargains from southern France and Italy. Primitivo/ Zin fandel fans should find plenty to enjoy this time around as well.
The Picks – Lots of them and finally a release where they’re all under $20!
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 $13.95
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 $18.95
*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ $19.95

*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007$19.95
*** GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 $14.95
The whites
*** MOMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 Might be less grassy than some NZ SB - 90. (Harvey Steiman, $18.95 it’ll be interesting to compare with the Peninsula Ridge.
PENINSULA RIDGE WISMER VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 ... The Wismer Vineyard delivers flavours that are rich, sweet and pungent.... beautifully balanced and refreshing, but the acidity in the Wismer is softer and broader ... Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips) $18.95
*** MAN VINTNERS CHENIN BLANC 2008 An underappreciated white wine that South Africa should work harder to make this their signature white wine. Intriguing scents of apple, lemon cream and vanilla, with a floral element emerging with aeration. Rich, supple and round, with nicely concentrated apple and pear nectar flavors along with an exotic note of honey. $13.95
The Reds
*** SCHILD ESTATE OLD BUSH VINE GMS GRENACHE/MATARO/SHIRAZ 2007 blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Mataro (a.k.a. Mourvèdre) and 20% Shiraz is sourced from old vines with an average age of 70 years! Should be a great wine for the price. $18.95

*** PIRRAMIMMA OLD BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2004 - Terrific producer across the board. This’ll be a new one for me but I love their Shiraz and Petit Verdot so…. $19.95
*** TYRRELL'S RUFUS STONE SHIRAZ Gold Medal winner at both the Adelaide Wine Show 2008 and the Canberra Wine Show 2007. The James Halliday Score - 95. but even if you knock off 3 or 4 points for palate differences it’s still a great buy at $19.95

*** KUMKANI CRADLE HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 – The review is too good to pass up…I’ll try one to see…Dark and juicy, with a nice bittersweet cocoa edge to the currant, black cherry, fig cake, tobacco and loam flavors. Score - 91. (James Molesworth), $19.95
*** Two Cotes du Rhones, the less expensive DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $13.95 should be ready for immediate consumption, DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR LES CHAMPAUVINS CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES 2007 will drink well now or can sit in the dark for a few years. Both are from the wonderful 2007 vintage. $19.95
The best of the rest
KATNOOK FOUNDER'S BLOCK SHIRAZ 2005 - 92.from James Halliday, probably more like 88 or 89 but priced right $17.95
BLACKJACK SHIRAZ 2004 Campbell Mattison of the The Wine Front (Nov 27, 2006) was also enthusiastic about this wine, awarding it a score of 93 points. - 90. (Harvey Steiman, WS. $28.95
PARKER COONAWARRA ESTATE TERRA ROSSA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003 At six years of age, this fine Coonawarra Cabernet is just entering into its prime drinking years. $29.95

RAVENSWOOD OLD VINE ZINFANDEL 2006 Deep ruby. Jammy raspberry and blackberry on the nose, with notes of fresh rose and baking spices adding complexity. 90-91. (Josh Raynolds $22.95
GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2006 Deliciously spicy, aromatic and robust is Primitivo (Zinfandel's Italian twin) at its best. This 2006 is true to form, with brambly black fruit, sage, tar, and meaty notes all combining on the velvety, medium-bodied, mouth-coating palate. $14.95
FEUDI DI SAN MARZANO PRIMITIVO 2007 Very modern fruit filled character. Rich, lush and very satisfying - warm, fruity damsons, lively. $13.95
LA PALAZZETTA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 $42.95
TERRE DA VINO ESSENZE BAROLO 2004 $44.95
TORRES GRAN CORONAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Here's the half-bottle size of a very popular wine from our VINTAGES Essentials Collection. No way it’s a 90 POINT WINE but the CONVENIENCE of a small bottle is niec $9.95
SANTADI GROTTA ROSSA CARIGNANO 2006 - Score - 89. $16.95
The ISD’s – Big $$’s, hard to find and in limited stores only
STERLING RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 1999 Napa Valley . Score - 91. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2002) $65.00
VERAISON KRUPP VINEYARD MERLOT 2004 Score - 91. (Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast, Dec. 15, 2007) $63.00
CLARENDON HILLS BLEWITT SPRINGS GRENACHE 2003 … exotic, full-throttle, high velocity, mouth-staining, unctuously textured, dense ruby/purple-hued 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs is classic southern Australian Grenache. Score - 95. $65.00
CLARENDON HILLS HICKINBOTHAM SYRAH 2001 Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020. Score - 95. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $75.00
PODERE BRIZIO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2001 Complex aromas of prune, berry and lightly toasted oak follow through to a full-bodied palate, with very ripe underlying fruit, hints of vanilla and a long finish. Best ever from here. Best after 2008. Score - 92. (James Suckling) 64.95
MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES MC 2005 This syrupy red delivers blueberry and blackberry fruit and bitter chocolate flavors in a dense texture, with muscular tannins and notes of mineral and licorice.. Score - 90. $37.00

Vintages July 4 release - Nothing too special, you might want to wait for the Monday sale

Not a brilliant release by any stretch of the imagination, there are still some products that caught my eye. The top selections that people will be lining up for are probably the two WS Top 100 choices, but I’m leaning toward the Celeste and the Cono Sur ISD.
LAN RESERVA 2004 Smart Buy. WS top 100– Score 90 points - $23.95
QUERCIABELLA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Score 91 $34.95
CELESTE CRIANZA 2005 - 90. $19.95
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95

Of the Whites
BURROWING OWL ESTATE WINERY CHARDONNAY 2006 Okanagan Valley, expensive but a terrific Canadian producer - where was this for the Canada Day release? $28.95
CLAY STATION VIOGNIER 2007 Lodi could be the one white to buy! $17.95

KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2007 California, Jackson Estate Grown - Of the two KJ OFFERINGS, THIS IS BETTER VALUE $12.95/half bottle
KIM CRAWFORD UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2007 Always good $19.95

A Pair of ROSÉs
SLOWINE ROSÉ 2008WO Overberg $11.95
STREWN CABERNET ROSÉ 2008VQA Ontario $12.95

Washington St.
Three high priced and well made products each with its own well known winemaker. From Long Shadow Vineyards in Washington St. too rich for me at $75 each
FEATHER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 winemaker: Randy Dunn of Dunn Vineyards
PEDESTAL MERLOT 2004 The winemaker is Mr. Frequent Flyer, Michel Rolland,
SEQUEL SYRAH 2005 Former Penfolds' winemaker John Duval

A Chilean Reprise
MONTES ALPHA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – a big bottle of a perrenial favourite $43.95 This large-format bottle will typically need more time in the cellar.

Three from OZ
ROCKBARE SHIRAZ 2006McLaren Vale, Should be a good buy at $19.95
CHATEAU REYNELLA BASKET PRESSED SHIRAZ 2005McLaren Vale, really big but slightly overpriced now at $34.95
CORIOLE VINEYARDS ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006McLaren Vale, South Australia $24.95

3 from California
Z-52 AGNES' VINEYARD OLD VINES ZINFANDEL 2005Lodi Z-52 specializes exclusively in vineyard-designated Zinfandel.- 90. $28.95
GALLO FAMILY FREI RANCH VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003Dry Creek Valley – always good fruit, lots of tar ( to my palate) $35.95
RODNEY STRONG ALEXANDER'S CROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005Alexander Valley, Single Vineyard $39.95

In store Discoveries
Of the Instore discoveries that I can afford, two stood out:
VASSE FELIX HEYTESBURY CHARDONNAY 2006 Score - 96. – remember that’s a James Halliday score but still 96 points!. $50.00
CONO SUR 20 BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipo Valley Score 90 $24.95

Vintages June 20th Release - Dad's Day and Malbecs

My Picks:
If I buy nothing else, I’ll buy the Concha y Toro Terrunyo. And I’ll buy as much as I can afford.
2005 Concha y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon - $29.95 – If you like The Vintages Essential Marques de Casa Concha and especially if you like Concha Y Toro’s now exorbitantly priced Don Melchor, buy this up! It is the best QPR cab coming out of Chile and maybe the best cab period in my opinion. If the label said Napa, it’d be $75 minimum!
2007 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec - $27.95 WS90 – Fabulous winemaker, gets the best from her grapes. Always full bodied, ripe and intense – the wines, not her.
2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec - $19.95 – Probably the best buy QPR wise among the Malbecs, should be lots of it.
2008 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $12.95 An annual favourite rose. I’ll buy more than a few.
2007 Domaine Galevan-Paroles de Femme Cotes du Rhone - $15.00 – Lots of it and well priced. Parker says 89 -90…might only be 86 but a terrific summer sipper with char-B-Q! (Not burnt Barbq but rather Charcouterie and or BarBQ – ahhh, BP you are so continental!)
2006 Valpantena Terre di Verona Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso - $17.95 – My sleeper pick, I’m going to try one and if I like it go back for more.

And as always, keep your eyes open for the biweekly Vintages sleeper sales. Anything that has not sold a certain % after so many weeks goes on markdown. Some substantial MD%’s for very good, but under appreciated wines!

ARGENTINA MALBEC SPOTLIGHT
2008 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec - $14.95 WS87 – The best bargain.
2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec - $19.95 – Probably the best buy QPR wise among the Malbecs, should be lots of it.
2007 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec - $27.95 WS90 – Fabulous winemaker, gets the best from her grapes. Always full bodied, ripe and intense – the wines, not her.
2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Malbec - $39.95- RP94 – Hobbs in Napa, Vina Cobos in Argentina. Should be huge but give me 3 Susanas for two of these.
2006 Trapiche Broquel Malbec - $15.95– A toss up with the Altos las Hormigas for Best bargain.
2006 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec - $24.95 –WS88
2006 Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Malbec - $18.95 – IWC88
2008 Chakana Malbec - $13.95 – Always good.
2007 Michel Torino Estate Don David Reserve Malbec - $12.95 – Don’t know it, so a sleeper in the release. Might be the wine to have if you’re going to watch Clint in Gran …ahhh couldn’t resist…
Canada Day Feature
Gotta wave the flag! But where are the BC wines? Last time I looked, Ontario was NOT Canada, it was just part of Canada.
2006 Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage - $34.00
2008 Henry of Pelham Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $14.95
FATHER’S DAY FEATURE – Just get me a gift certificate and let me pick my wines.
MAIN RELEASE
2005 Concha y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon - $29.95 see my picks!
2007 Domaine Galevan-Paroles de Femme Cotes du Rhone - $15.00 – see my picks
2006 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.95 – always very good
2005 Echevverria Family Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95 WS89 – always very good
2005 Greg Norman California Estates Cabernet Sauvignon - $24.95
2006 Clayhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95
2004 Evans & Tate Shiraz - $19.95 WS88;
2005 Pierre Sourdais Cuvee Tradition Chinon - $20.95 DEC4
2005 Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Le Torri - $18.95 RP88
2006 Firriato Chiaramonte Nero d’Avola - $18.95 (1) WS88
2006 Fontodi Chianti Classico - $28.95 (1) RP91
2006 Valpantena Terre di Verona Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso - $17.95
The two Rose Picks:
2008 Peter Lehmann Rose - $15.95
2008 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $12.95 My annual favourite rose. I’ll buy more than a few.
IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2005 Planeta Syrah - $39.00 90 plus points…terrific wine but it'll be hard to find.
The Big Buck Entries including a few ex VSO opportunities
2003 Clarendon Hills Moritz Syrah - $65.00 RP95; WS93; WE93; NW99;
2006 Petaluma Shiraz - $48.00
2005 Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95 RP92;
2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95 RP93; - see the Vina Cobos Malbec note earlier on…These would also be over $70 out of Napa. And a few years after the world economy turns around, they probably will be.
Ojai Thompson Vineyard Syrah - RP93+
J.J. Hahn 1928 Shiraz - $38.95 – RP91-93;
2004 John’s Blend Individual Selection No. 31 Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95
2005 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95
2003 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino - $59.95 –RP92

Vintages June 6th release - An Ironic release, not iconic, ironic

Ahhh, the LCBO and their fine sense of irony - That this would be a Burgundy focused release, yet the best pinot noir value and maybe the best Pinot Noir in it is an In Store Discovery from South America!

THE ROSE Picks – Will buy a few to compare to the Sandbanks rose that we enjoy so much, but I’ll also hold out for the Stellenbosch rose from South Africa in the next release.
2008 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose - $12.30
2008 Thirteenth Street June’s Vineyard Cabernet Rose - $15.95
2008 Kim Crawford Pansy! Rose - $17.95 – really enjoyed it last year.

MAIN RELEASE
The Top Picks:
2006 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz - $24.95 WS91/ RP90; / WE91; / 3 Golds – Luv this wine…usually very similar to and a wee bit better than Leasingham’s Bin 61. You cannot go wrong here but move fast.
2007 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95 – Luv this wine and producer…the ’06 was a stealth release…this is the ’07 I think!
2006 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon - $16. WE88 – in an apparent toss up with the Zolo, I’ll take the Famiglia Bianchi – less $$’s and it just never disappoints.
2003 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot - $23.95 – Washington State, Ready to drink right now for sure, some age on it.
2005 Chateau de Serame Reserve du Chateau Minervois - $22.95 WS90 – Southern Rhone style from the Midi.
The best of the rest
2006 Catena Syrah - $19.95 – Quality producer on a real hot streak.
2007 Calafate Reserva Malbec - $16.95 –IWSC Silver(Best in Class) – stick with the Cabs from Argentina this time around. The Next Release has a Mr. Malbec feature.
2005 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95 RP88; in an apparent toss up, I’ll take the Famiglia Bianchi – it just never disappoints.
2006 Tabali Reserva Especial - $21.95 This is a proprietary blend that got Five Stars from Decanter and $22?! Gotta try one at least!
2006 Odfjell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon - $15.95: IWC88 – Another bargain cab!
2005 Glen Eldon Dry Bore Barossa Shiraz - $29.95 –RP91 – Nice wine, but too expensive. If you can find the Lodge Hill Shiraz, do!
2006 Wyndham Estate Founder’s Reserve Limestone Coast Shiraz / Cabernet - $23.95 –Gold medal winner

2006 Domaine Costa Lazaridis Amethystos Red - $24.95 WE90 – Having a Greek inspired BBQ? – Look no further for your wine!

Price is no Object
2004 Pio Cesare Barolo - $74.95 WS94; RP93; IWC92-93 – WS Top 100 number 6 – they’ll be lining up for it!
2005 Tardieu-Lurent Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape - $84.95 – WS96; RP91-93 Would love to buy some but sorry, too much!
724336 – 2002 Peter Lehmann Mentor - $42.95– RP91
932400 – 2006 Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon - $63.95 –
2006 FOLEY RANCHO SANTA ROSA PINOT NOIR Score - 92 - $53.95 – Buy this if you want to spend big bucks on a Pinot.

IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2007 Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir - $27.95 – might be the best Burgundy in the release…ironically, it’s Chilean!

May 23rd Vintages Release - New Zealand gets upstaged!

This is supposed to be a New Zealand release but......well I can just imagine the New Zealand Wine Producers showing up in the LCBO lobby to voice their opinions of it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmM7QeoCP1Y&feature=related


Meantime, back to the wines....

The 2 great Malbecs in this release tell me it must be close to time for a Malbec-fest. Perhaps after the Father’s Day release in June we’ll tee one up since that release has a Malbec feature. In the last two years I’ve had spectacular Malbec wines from Argentina and France (Cahors) and now Chile, and even California and Oz are getting into the act. There is a world of flavours to compare! What better way than grilling up a great slab of beef and going to it!

My Picks: Can’t go wrong with any of these: The Alta Vista and the Achaval Ferrer Malbecs, The Miss Harry GSM, The Angels Share, either of the Concha Y Toros, and the Mulderbosch Chardonnay.

Reds
2006 Alta Vista Grande Reserve Terroir Selection Malbec - $26.95 Past vintages had tremendous mouthfeel, and great flavours. But sadly, price wise this has really jumped. (Same thing here as with the Achaval Ferrer ISD). But still a 4 dollar savings on the Mendel Malbec which is also very good, just too much $$’s.

2007 Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz - $27.95 – WS Top 100 last year, should be excellent – a juicy, fruity , teeth staining monster
2006 Hewitson Miss Harry GSM - $19.95 Sub $20 for a wine both Parker and Tanzer gave 90 points to? Sign me up! This might be the buy of the release!
2006 Monte Zovo Superiore Ripasso - $19.95
2007 Ferngrove Frankland River Shiraz - $16.95 James Halliday’s 94 is everyone else’s 89-90. Don’t be misled. That said, this will be a sophisticated ( not so in your face) Shiraz from Oz. ( I know, kind of an oxymoron).
2007 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz - $27.95 Very solid wine. WS90
2005 William Cole Columbine Cab Sauv Res - $15.95 – Should be a very good cab from Chile – I think tragic high school every time I see the name – will skip it if only for that reason.
2006 Concha y Toro Marques Merlot - $19.95 – Always excellent for Merlot fans
2005 Temple Bruer Grenache/Shiraz/Viognier - $17.95 – Interesting blend of 2 reds and a white.
2005 Masi Brolo di Campofiorin - $24.95 – ripasso method, so fruity and rich.

Rose
2008 Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah - $16.95 – A rose from one of my favourite producers

Whites
2007 Concha y Toro ‘Casa Concha’ Chardonnay - $17.95 - probably the best white buy in the release.
2008 Malivoire Pinot Gris - $18.95 -224 cases of 12
2007 Kim Crawford SP Boyszone Pinot Gris - $24.95 – Small Plots Pinot Gris from a terrific producer
2005 Mulderbosch Stellenbosch Chardonnay or the Evans and Tate Chard from OZ - $20.95 WS90 – well priced from quality producers

The Big Batch of Bordeaux
This almost seems to be a mini 2005 Bordeaux release. Why the LCBO would choose to upstage New Zealand with this huge blast of big score/big price wines is beyond me unless of course they’re overbought on them…my guess is sales a coming on these bad boys, be patient.

1998 Chateau Le Caillou - $48.95 (Repeat of February 2, 2008 Release)
2005 Chateau L’Argenteyre - $24. Decanter 4
2005 Hauts de Pontet-Canet - $69.00
2005 Chateau Destieux - $69.00 (1) WS92 ; (2) RP93
2005 Clos Les Lunelles - $69.00 RP94
2005 Chateau Rauzan-Gassies - $73.00 RP92
2005 Chateau Lafon-Rochet - $69.00: RP90
2005 Chateau Grand Mayne - $79.00 RP93
2005 Chateay Lafon-Rochet - $69.00 RP90

IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2007 Achaval Ferrer Malbec - $27.95 – try to find this one, if you can but – buyer beware – its price is really inflated from a year or two ago. It was under $20 – now look! But, that’s what happens when your winery gets a big name.

Cape Mentelle Cabernet/Merlot - $28.95
2006 Two Hands Bull and Bear Shiraz/Cabernet - $45.95
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf Mourre de Perdrix - $54.95
2005 Argiano Solengo - $88.95

Terroir, or The County has a Spring Wine Celebration

Spent a lovely day down in the county enjoying the local wineries with some wonderful foods to go with them...
The Highlights -
Cab Franc 2007 from Sandbanks...slow to open in the glass but it absolutley sang when paired with a ground lamb and bison ( or was it elk?) patty,
The Sandbanks Rose, wonderful as an aperitif, on a cool gray day it was terrific, I can just imagine it on a hot sunny one. All green apple-y, crushed strawberries on the nose with a hint of pink grapefruit.
Both absolutely terrific young wines....
6 year old cheddar cheese - gotta luv a cheese that bites back!
The " I thought it'd be like that but tried 'em again anyway"
Chadsey Cairns/ Closson Chase/ Norman Hardie - Pinot Noirs, I tried my best, but sorry, just don't get it - thin and light....
Huff Estates - Rose nice, pink grapefruit rose, especially on the backend ( really pink grapefruittttttty) and an OK Cab ( that's not to be confused with an oaky cab) that needs some air.
The "seemed like a good idea at the time"
Maple syrup flavoured cheddar - proof that combining two wonderful products, does not create a third wonderful product! Leave the cheese over here, and the syrup over there....

What have I had lateley?

A couple of Cali Cabs - the Rodney Strong that was just marked down from $33 to $26 by the LCBO was nice for $17. For what I paid, I thought it was still overpriced. However, it got a shaking and a rattling on the way home so I'm willing to chalk that one up to a minor case of bottleshock. I found this one lacking mouthfeel, and a little short. Flavours were black fruit with a hint of smoke, I have a couple more in the cellar for future. If they're better, I'll let you know. If they're not, I'll say stick with one of these $17-22 South American cabs and you'll be happier: Montes Alpha, Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha or for a bargain and if you can find it grab the Familia Bianchi.

Deloach Cabernet(Napa) from the LCBO regular list - Beppi Crossariol liked it a few weeks ago so I thought " $15, what's to lose?" It's a nice 'crowd of people, bbq, backyard, sitting around wanting a glass that might turn into 3 glasses' kinda wine. Black Fruit, not tannic, a little thin, but nothing offensive there at all. But this is where 'buyer beware' kicks in. Some of the Vintages products that are on sale for 2 or 3 bucks more are twice the wine now and the disparity will be even more in 3 or 4 years .

Ho hum, Another week, another stealthy little sale!

Some more good ones have been reduced at the LCBO – among them, a Hess Cab from California which is still over-priced, Faith Shiraz which I find terrific always, a Coriole Shiraz, A GSM with a metallic gold label but don't hold that against it, and a Spanish Tempranillo that got 90 points from Parker and Tanzer…but only 85 from the WS. Follow this link to the list:

http://winething13.webs.com/may112009delist.htm

Vintages May 02 Release - very nice!

This is the best release in a while. When I first read through it, I thought ‘3 or 4 perhaps’ – now I’ve reviewed it more closely and I’m hard pressed to stop at 8 different wines!...Gotta keep telling myself, “Relax BP, LCBO is a monopoly but they're in retail and they’re way overstocked. WHEN YOU’RE IN RETAIL AND YOU’RE WAY OVERSTOCKED, prices will drop!”
Prompted by those two hot days in the last week or so, I’ve started with a couple of fizzies. LET ME ASSURE EVERYONE this is not the first step to “Desperate Housewife Sunday Nights”! I can Just taste them ( the fizzies, not the wives), on a sunny deck out by the pool - or by the Bay - with some mezes, Tapas, antipasto.

So what do I figure to be buying? MANGA DEL BRUJO 2006, MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008, CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006, or maybe a GIGONDAS, and a COLONIAL ESTATE ENVOY GRENACHE/ SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2006

Two Sparklers
PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT Mmmm, grilled shrimp or inch wide strips of planked salmon on the Bar BQ! $19.95
From April 11th another Sparkler that you also might enjoy
MARQUES DE GELIDA EXCLUSIVE BRUT RESERVA CAVA 2004 Spain - Looks like a wine bottle designed by 16 year olds…but could be very nice! $19.95
A white!
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 – one of my Annual Sauv/Blanc favourites – great with anything from the Sea $18.95

The Release
SANTA JULIA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 – Zuccardi Family – quality producer at a great price- $13.95

CONO SUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2008 – A terrific value blend - should be fruity and juicy and only $13.95
ALKOOMI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Frankland River, Western OZ is always more Bordeaux than Barossa ( well, to my palate anyway). Should be good. Taste it, let it breath a bit, then taste it again. $17.95
RICHARD HAMILTON LOT 148 MERLOT 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia – Interesting to compare a California Merlot with this one… Score - 90. $19.95
EBERLE WINERY STEINBECK VINEYARD SYRAH 2005 The 2005 Eberle Syrah should be very nice $28.95
THE COLONIAL ESTATE ENVOY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Barossa Australia I expect a Rosemount GSM in Colonial Estate clothing. This should be a very nice wine if you can leave it for a bit in the sous-sol $29.95
PERRIN & FILS LA GILLE GIGONDAS 2006 AC -The ’05 made the WS Top 100 – 89 points seems too low a score for the wine and the vintage. Might try one. but let it sleep beside the GSM for a while $29.95
MANGA DEL BRUJO 2006 DO Calatayud (San Gregorio) – A Spanish take on the GSM (OK, technically it’s a GSTMM but I hate the GST)and I quote…exhibits an expressive bouquet of cedar, tobacco, earth, vanilla, black cherry, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, ripe, intensely flavored wine with excellent depth, balance, and length. Another 2-3 years in the cellar should yield additional complexity. Drink this tasty effort through 2020. All this for under $18 bucks? Hurry, only 250 cases and if you don’t like it you can return it! Score - 90+. $17.95

Tuscany Focus Release – some real beauts, Sangiovese fans rejoice. A word of warning though – decant any of them for an hour, you’ll be glad you did.

BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Complex and intriguing: cherry, tobacco and oak/vanilla scents, with flavours integrating nicely. Drink 2010-20. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). 24.95
CASA EMMA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: …penetrating aromas of cherry, cola, almond and spice. Should be great with any pasta Score - 88. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast,Sept. 1, 2008) $19.95
CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Dried flowers, with blackberry and dried cherry, lead to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Needs time to open. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2008) $24.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CAMPOMACCIONE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2006. A well made wine. But will need food and open it early.$18.95
FATTORIA DI MAGLIANO HEBA MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2006 – should be good too. $27.95
FASSATI PASITEO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2005 should be good $24.95
CASTELLANI POGGIO AL CASONE LA CATTURA 2006- IGT Toscana A very Interesting review 90points $19.95

California Focus – Lots of big buck wines and a few gems, but overall, better wines for less bucks elsewhere in the world.

SANCTUARY USIBELLI VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 something drier and earthier than the usual Napa Cab, should be good with red meat especially. Score - 90. I’d love to serve this blind against the Alkoomi.$34.95
ARTEZIN ZINFANDEL 2006 – of the three Zin’s this’d be my pick – the others should be good as well. $26.95
RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT 2004 Napa Valley my pick of the Napa Merlots $34.95

The Big Bucks Buys

MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MONTESODI CHIANTI RÚFINA RISERVA 2005 DOCG, - Should be superb! Castello di Nipozzano Score - 90. (James Suckling,) $59.95
LEONARDO DA VINCI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 DOCG $59.95
FATTORIA LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com,) $48.95
COL D'ORCIA NEARCO 2003 DOC Sant'Antimo TASTING NOTE: Thick in extraction, Nearco is a ripe and meaty red with thick layers of blueberry, blackberry, coffee, tobacco, ink, vanilla, spice and cigar box that peel off one solid layer after the other. Nothing is understated here and the wine hits the palate with determined tannins. Score - 92. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2008) $37.95
FATTORIA LE PUPILLE SAFFREDI 2004 Well it’s $115 but it’s a rare 97 pointer! Score - 97. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007 $114.95
CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley . Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2008) $89.95
DOMINUS ESTATE NAPANOOK 2005 $53.95
PAUL HOBBS CROSSBARN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley . Score - 90. (Tom Cannavan, $69.95
DUCKHORN MERLOT 2006 Napa Valley a memorable, prototype Merlot. Score - 96. If this was a Napa Cab getting this score it would be a hundred dollars more! $63.95
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2007. Score - 90. (Harvey Steiman,)

Vintages April 11 Release - Dr. Seuss Lives!

This week it’s the LCBO’s answer to Green Eggs and Ham!
Think about the vintages release combo this week - biodynamic wines and Easter. Never let it be said that their marketing department doesn’t have a sense of humour ….meanwhile, not much to get too excited about.
TRAPICHE BROQUEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza - Good price for a pretty good Cab. 14.95
KAIKEN MALBEC 2007 Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza - Another great buy from Argentina, bargain loving red meat eaters rejoice! $14.95

G7 GRAN RESERVA 2005 Loncomilla Valley - Not named for the Canadian Group of Seven, nor the old G7 industrial nations, but rather a celebration of 7 generations of winemaking expertise. Should be a good Cabernet $18.95

BREMERTON MATILDA PLAINS CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2007 – Think 3 Monks at a bargain price. Last year’s was delicious especially for the price! $14.95
HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED 2007 Interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Grenache. Very well priced too. $15
DELHEIM SHIRAZ 2005 – always well done $16.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2006 - This review is terrific – can the wine stand up to it? I’ll buy one to see. $19.95
CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET FONT DE BLANCHE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2006 – should be terrific with almost anything from strong fish to roast beef! $16.95
LE GRAVILLAS GIGONDAS 2006 This wine won Gold at the 2007 Foire aux vins d'Orange. Should be really good in a year or two. $27.95
CASTELLANI VIGNETTI DI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO 2003 – Great price for a baby Super Tuscan - Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah.. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $22.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 This Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.. Smart Buy.- Ready to drink too.Score - 90. (James Suckling) $24.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE SASYR SANGIOVESE/SYRAH 2006 – also ready to drink, the name is a combo of the grapes. Score - 88. (James Suckling,) $18.95
TEZZA MA ROAT VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO 2006 Will reward time in a decanter, so enjoy this one over a long meal with people you love to talk to or drink by yourself over an entire evening) 17.95

BOSTAVAN PINOT NOIR 2005 – Wine from Moldova - now that’s a wild looking bottle! $13.95

The Big Priced Specials
TENUTA DI CASTELGIOCONDO LAMAIONE 2005 IGT Toscana $59.95
CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 It should provide superb drinking over the next 10-15 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $49.95
D'ARENBERG THE IRONSTONE PRESSINGS GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Feeling wealthy? Buy this one and the Clos St. Jean. Put them both away for 5 years in a cool dark place and then call me to come over ! $49.95

Wine should NOT be taken seriously - here's proof!

and no that was not an unconcious alchohol pun...............

this series is very well done, but this one minute bit on French wines is superb!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPogmBFYH8

Another Sale - March 30th delisting

LCBO has another sale upcoming beginning March 30th. Some OK wines, but no screaming deals. Some research required but if you want a list, try here:
http://www.freewebs.com/nickswine/

March 28th Vintages release

A release for fans of tempranillo and Pinot Noir. I'm not a big fan of either, so I'll try a few things but continue to hold off for the next 2 releases.
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95

France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95

Vintages March 14 release - Few gems, methinks

Ontario whites are the focus along with Kosher wines. Forget the Kosher ones…Of the Ontari-ari-ario whites, let’s go with an unoaked Chard and a Pinot Grigio. For the rest of the release, I don’t see a lot to get too excited about, but I see desparation in the LCBO’s eyes, so more sales are going to be coming. I’ll be buying ones where I bought 3’s before!

DANIEL LENKO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
REIF ESTATE PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Should be tasty, and well priced. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer,) $17.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2006 – excellent producer, ready to drink now – terrific value -89 points, WS - A Pick!!!! $16.95
ZUCCARDI Q. TEMPRANILLO 2005 I’m not usually a tempranillo fan, but this could be good. Score - 88. (Tom Cannavan $18.95
TRICYCLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC 2007- well priced blend from chile $15.95
D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006- Always excellent, try it against the Spnish Grenache to compare styles - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2004Barossa, South Australia - not the WS top 100 vintage, but should be tasty. I’d buy a Bin 61 and a Wakefield for the same price though and have two great bottles instead of one! Score - 91. (Joe Czerwinski,) $37.95
LEASINGHAM BIN 61 SHIRAZ 2005 - A favourite of mine -A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Score - 95. (James Halliday, - James, maybe 91 but 95? No way!) $25.95

WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Always good value at a great price - A Pick- $15.95
WATER WHEEL SHIRAZ 2006 – should be $14.95! not $18.95
YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2006 Big Barossa fruit - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
CASTEL OUALOU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – to my mind, the buy of the release -based on vintage data - at $13.95
DOMAINE DE LA PÉQUÉLETTE CUVÉE ÉMILE 2005 - Ready to drink $17.95
DOMAINE LA HAUTE MARONE GIGONDAS 2005 –I like Gigondas after a few years, unlike Vacqueyras which I like right away! Try one but put it in a dark spot for a while. $26.95
MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA 2006 - Sicily’s signature red – very good. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni) $16.95
BODEGAS ATECA ATTECA OLD VINES 2006 The 2006 Atteca is 100% Garnacha old-vines ranging from 80-120 years. This is the one to try against the D’Arenberg Grenache in a new world meets old faceoff Score - 91. (Jay Miller,) $22.95

Luigi Bosca Alert and comment re Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier

For those fans of the fabulous 2005 Luigi Bosca Malbec that was out in the late summer early fall, it's baaaaaack at selected LCBO locations. Check the website to find one near you. Thats the good news, the bad news is that it's about $17.95 this time around. This wine just begs you to fire up the BBQ and throw on a slab of red meat! It'll be fun to try the Bosca against the Vina Cobos Felino. The Felino is a couple of years younger so if you are going to try them head up, open it early to even the age difference.

Now the comment re the other W.o. M. - I'm hearing disconcerting news about the Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier. I've spoken to a couple of consultants and both said they couldn't taste it at their prerelease tastings. One said it was because her bottle was 'off', the second was in a different group and said their bottle was clearly corked. Not a good sign for a wine that I had high hopes for....buyer beware and if you buy it and it just doesn't taste right, it probably isn't. Be prepoared to return it.

February 28th Vintages Release

A Mediterranean focus this week, including both the South of France and Sicily. Fans of Rhone-style blends at bargain prices (myself included) should be delighted by some of the quality wines available.

What am I buying? Too many choices! But I'll be picking up some but not necessarily all of the following names:

PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006
Osoyoos Larose 2005

The Southern France wines are great values and terrific flavours.
CAZES L'EXCELLENCE DE TRINIAC 2005 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Latour-de-France. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be lots going on here but don’t rush it. $16.95
DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2006 AC Côtes du Roussillon-Villages Chapoutier is usually very good. I expect excellence here and it’s a WoM so there’ll be lots of it! (91-93) $19.95
CHÂTEAU DE FONTENELLES CUVÉE NOTRE DAME 2006 Another Winner of Gold Medals at the Paris' Concours Général Agricole and the Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2008. $16.95

CHÂTEAU DU VIEUX PARC LA SÉLECTION 2005 AC Corbières, Estate Btld. A Gold Medal winner at the 2007 Concours Général Agricole in Paris, France. Should be very tasty, the Vintages panel knows what they are doing! $19.95
TERRASSES DE LA MOULINE ROUGE 2007 AC Saint-Chinian, A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Vinalies Internationales competition in Paris. – if this wine lives up to this review, you’ll be fighting over it for sure, especially at $13.95! And you have to love the way the French describe their wines…."Very rich on the palate with tannins that are adorably silky, caressing, charming and seductive. The never-ending finish is full of melt-in-your-mouth dark chocolate flavours." $13.95
LA BASTIDE BLANCHE BANDOL 2006 Bigger than some of the others from Southern France, wines from Bandol can be a real ageworthy treat $25.95
DOMAINE DES AIRES HAUTES LES COMBELLES 2005 AC Minervois, aroma profile that includes leather, raspberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and mineral. Dry, balanced, generous and fairly ripe. A wine for gourmet sausages. At this price, call me a gourmet sausage! $13.95

Yikes, some whites!
JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE PROPRIETORS' GRAND RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2005 VQA Okanagan Valley – Always superior and well priced. 21.95

MACULAN PINOT GRIGIO 2007 DOC Breganze A very nice sample if you’re a Pinot Grigio fan $15.95
GRAFFIGNA CENTENARIO PINOT GRIGIO 2007 – This South American sample of Pinot Grigio should be very tasty! - 88. $14.95
FEUDO MONTONI CATARRATTO 2007 IGT Score - 90. Something a little different than the usual chards and Sauvignon blancs at $15.95
COMPOSITE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 A nod to Sancerre. At less than $20 this will be a real test against the ‘cult’ like Cloudy Bay $19.95

Canada
INNISKILLIN RESERVE SERIES MERITAGE 2006 VQA Niagara Peninsula A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 All Canadian Wine Championships. $17.95

Argentina
SANTA JULIA MAGNA 2005 Mendoza, Argentina (Familia Zuccardi). Great Region, Great Producer, Great Price! Blend of Cab, malbec and syrah, the BBQ says buy lots and it’s rarely wrong $14.95
CRIOS DE SUSANA BALBO SYRAH/BONARDA 2006 Mendoza Susana Balbo is a terrific winemaker. Her wines are always well priced and very,very tasty.- 89. $14.95
VIÑA COBOS FELINO MALBEC 2007 Mendoza, Unfined & Unfiltered, Estate Btld. Vina Cobos is a real up and comer. Once again this will be a massive mouthful of maroon malbec ( ahhh , I love alliteration ). It’s the other WoM, I expect you’ll need to decant carefully so that you don’t get a chewy wine both literally and figuratively. 91pts $19.95
PASCUAL TOSO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Maipu, Mendoza, Las Barrancas Vineyards - Another nice wine at a good price– 89pts. $19.95
The Aussies
2 ELDERTON FRIENDS VINEYARD SERIES – a Shiraz and a CAB SAUV 2006 Always good wine from a great producer. $18.95
MITOLO JESTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Always very good, you can’t go wrong here. Doug, try one for your Elderton fix. $22.95
THE COLONIAL ESTATE EXPLORATEUR OLD VINE SHIRAZ 2006 – This is a bit expensive for what you get, I think. 90. $29.95
South Africa
STELLENRUST SHIRAZ 2005 Stellenbosch, very well priced- close to a pick! $16.95

France – the Rhone
PERRIN & FILS LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2006 Perennially (almost a pun there!) a 90 point plus wine. I really like this …. ’04 was great, ’05 as good and this one should follow them nicely 91. $23.95
CAVES SAINT-PIERRE PREFERENCE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2007 AC A Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Concours des Vins in Orange, France. – should be a dynamite wine for the price $14.95

Italy
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2005 DOCG - Also a terrific buy if you like sangiovese at $15.00
Portugal
QUINTA DO INFANTADO RED 2006 DOC Douro, A dry wine from a terrific port producer. Get on the Portugal train before it leaves the station. Should be very good. $23.95
Spain
1707 SELECCIÓN DE BARRICAS 2004 DO Almansa (Hacienda El Espino)- This has a sinkful of various grapes – if you want red but can’t decide which one, try this after a one hour decant 16.95
CAN BLAU MONTSANT 2007 – one to lay down and forget for a few years. $21.95

The Big Budget bottles. Some terrific wines but who can afford them?

OSOYOOS LAROSE LE GRAND VIN 2005 Superb Canadian Wine from BC. But not cheap. And needs a few years in a quiet dark place. Score - 5 Stars (out of 5). $44.95
CLOS DU VAL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Stags Leap District, Napa Score - 92. $79.95
DOMINUS 2005Napa Valley, Estate Btld.(Christian Moueix) - 95+. $127.95
RIDGE GEYSERVILLE 2006Sonoma County, Estate Btld. Score - 90. $58.95
SEGHESIO HOME RANCH ZINFANDEL 2006 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 91. $46.95
CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Mendoza This one might be worth the extra bucks! $55.95
D'ARENBERG THE DEAD ARM SHIRAZ 2006 McLaren Vale, South –Needs years or decant for hours 93. $55.95
YALUMBA THE SIGNATURE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ 2004 94 $49.95
KILIKANOON COVENANT SHIRAZ 2006 – $49.95
ANTINORI SOLAIA 2005 -IGT Toscana – Time to win a lottery! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2023. Score - 93. $234.95
ANTINORI TIGNANELLO 2005 IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 92. Half bottles for $59.95 or 1500ml for $244.95
IL BORRO ROSSO 2005IGT Toscana, Estate Btld. - 90. $59.95
CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006AC, Estate Btld. …needs 4-6 years of bottle age and should last 25-30 years. That’s probably longer than I’ll last! 92-94. $89.95
FEUDO MONTONI VRUCARA NERO D'AVOLA 2005 - - 93. $37.95 -

Preview of the 28th release - Recommend you wait

I just saw the release scheduled for the 28th. Unless you really like something in the 14th release, I'd do like the guy from ING says and "Save your money". The next one has some very nice possibilities.

A typically schizophrenic LCBO release - the focus is supposed to be South Africa, but looking at the variety and quality of the wines available in this release, the best country representation is not S.A. but rather Italy. The best single producer focus has a maple leaf - the expensive 3 Pinot noirs and two Chardonnays from Clos Jordanne on the Niagara Peninsula.

What am I buying?
Not much, I picked up what I thought were the best of the bargains from the sale last week and am cashed out. If I were buying, I'd grab a couple of the Pio Cesare Barbera D'Alba, the Teusner Shiraz , High Trellis, the Memsie or the Terrazas Cabernet from Argentina. I like to plug them because they link to my blog in Argentina!

South Africa
GRAHAM BECK THE RIDGE SYRAH 2003 WO Robertson One of the best S.A. wines in the release. $25.95
STARK-CONDÉ SYRAH 2005 WO Stellenbosch, Unfined and Unfiltered -Terrific producer, well priced $19.95
GROENLAND ANTOINETTE MARIÉ 2005, WO Stellenbosch –well priced, might be highlight among the dim bulbs in this S. A. release. $17.95

Argentina
TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – This one’ll call out for red meat, but should be good. $18.95
RENACER PUNTO FINAL RESERVA MALBEC 2005 - Nice review! But like the Cabernet, get some red meat between you and it! 91. $23.95

OZ
D'ARENBERG THE HERMIT CRAB VIOGNIER/MARSANNE 2007 , A White blend of 58% Viognier and 42% Marsanne. – something a little different $17.95
D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 A Bordeaux blend from the McLaren Vale Score – Very well priced 90+. $19.95
TEUSNER THE RIEBKE EBENEZER ROAD SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, Kym Teusner is the talented winemaker for Rolf Binder Wines, but he also finds time for his own venture, which has been receiving rave reviews.- 93. $23.95
WATER WHEEL MEMSIE 2007 – Always a terrific price. $13.95
France
DOMAINE DES MULINS MORGON 2007 AC My gosh, my first Beaujolais highlight – Wait for the first sunny, warm Saturday afternoon..Serve it slightly chilled alongside a plate of cold cuts or with white meats. $18.95
Italy
MASTROBERARDINO AGLIANICO 2006. The wine has thick tannins and good length with bursting fruit flavors. 88. $22.95
TERREDORA LACRYMA CHRISTI DEL VESUVIO ROSSO 2005 (100% Piedirosso)- try this and the Spanish Mencia for fans of the unusual , soft, polished red offers and the pretty finish. - 90. $20.95
PIO CESARE BARBERA D'ALBA 2006–Very good buy – there’ll be a huge run on it 92. $21.95
CASTELLANI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 – should be good…$21.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE TENUTA SANT' ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2004 very classy single vineyard expression of 100 per cent sangiovese. Enjoy now-2014. Score - 90. $22.95
CORTE ZOVO SA' SOLIN RIPASSO 2005 - very good – always. $17.95
Spain
CUATRO PASOS MENCÍA 2006 Try something different tonight! The Grape is Mencia, 90. $16.95

The Big Buck selections
All of these are best held for a number of years or decanted for a few hours:
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2006 The 2006 Shiraz "G.A.M." is loved by Parker’s team 95. $54.95
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2006AC Saint-Estèphe 89-91 $48.95
PIO CESARE BARBARESCO 2004 a mostly traditional interpretation of Nebbiolo. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Score - 92. $73.95
BARONE RICASOLI CASALFERRO 2004 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot that spent 18 months in French oak. - 90. $39.95
CA'MARCANDA PROMIS 2006 Ca'Marcanda is Angelo Gaja's winemaking venture in Tuscany's coastal region of Maremma. Mini-cult wine, too expensive - 90. $49.95
FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003- always 89-90 points- usually a more fruit forward rendition of Brunello. 89. $48.95
I CASTEI AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2004 - nice amarone - 91 $44.95
OPUS ONE 2005 Napa Valley – Are you kidding me?!? In this economy? $359.95
RIDGE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS ESTATE 2005 – Always good $59.95

Another Sale this weekend - with a few real goodies!

Get to your friendly local Vintages website for a summary of the items on sale. There is one WS Top 100 wine in the list and a few very good wines that are now marked down to more realistic prices!

My top picks from the list are:
Montirius Le Clos Vacqueyras 2005 - WS top100, organic, Southern Rhone, no oak, a beaut!
Onix Fusio 2006 - Grenache/ tempranillo blend from Priorat in Spain

and then it's a tie among the two CdPs, the Brunello, another Spanish one, a couple of Northern Rhones, some Amarones and on and on.....

The January 31 Release – 90 point wine focus

Let’s preface today’s reviews with the statement that any of the 90 point wines in this release should give you great pleasure. The focus of my suggestions among these 90 pointers will be those that bring something special to the table – tremendous value, cult status, or maybe they just really appeal to my tastebuds…and, since it’s my blog I can get away with that!

LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2006 – Probably the best value in the release! Get it quick, it’ll be gone. Ready for immediate consumption! This is one worth buying by the case. The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70-100 year old Garnacha vineyards. $15.95

3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2006 Barossa Valley, South Australia – Probably the best QPR among the Shiraz in this release. $23.95

SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK SHIRAZ 2005 Barossa Valley, A triple gold winner in 2007 at the Perth Royal Wine Show, the Barossa Wine Show and The Royal Adelaide Wine Show. Deep colour; unashamedly full-bodied with masses of blackberry fruit and firm but ripe tannins; good oak and great length. Cork, not screwcap!. - 94. (James Halliday – remember James scores are usually 3 or 4 points too high but still) $21.95
TURKEY FLAT BUTCHER'S BLOCK RED 2006 – An Aussie Rhone blend Barossa Valley, composed of 55% Shiraz, 28% Grenache, and 17% Mourvedre. Turkey Flat is a terrific producer – this should be great if you like GSM - bouquet of smoke, garrigue, sage, black cherry, and blueberry jam, excellent depth, and a long, pure finish. Score - 92. $23.95
DOMAINE CAZES ALTER DE CAZES 2003 AC Côtes du Roussillon Villages If this is reminiscent of a Priorat red, it should be very good indeed. It is also right in its drinking window. As a WOM (Wine of the Month) there’ll be lots, try one – if you like it, go back for more $19.95

CLOS DE SIXTE 2006 AC Lirac - Another almost covert ( in N/A) little area of the Southern Rhone, this is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. With wines like this, it’s fun to see how vintages change. I bought some of the ’05, it was a PICK in September '08 and was really good. I have one left so I’ll get one or two of this one to compare in a year - if I can hold out that long. $26.95

DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 – High scores and becoming a ‘hot’ region will kill you price wise - This wine has gone crazy. The 2004 was in the $40 range as I recall! if you tried it and the Clos de Sixte, you’d probably like the Lirac better, unless you’re holding them until 2020. $72.95

The Main release
USA
FRANCIS COPPOLA DIAMOND COLLECTION CELESTIAL BLUE LABEL MALBEC 2006- at this price, stick to Argentina for your malbecs! $27.95

HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley, I really liked the 2004 and the 2005 was a better vintage but there are better buys than this one at this price. $37.95

A pair of inexpensive Cabs from Argentina – both deliver good quality – of the two, I’d try the Alamos
ALAMOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95
CHAKANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $13.95

Chile
CONCHA Y TORO MARQUES DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH 2006 the previous three vintages of this Syrah received scores of 90 or above from Wine Spectator. The Marques de Casa Concha line is always excellent value – their Vintages Essential Cab always has a place in my cellar. I expect good things here too. $19.95

France
CHÂTEAU DE FONSCOLOMBE CUVÉE SPÉCIALE 2005 – this could be another sleeper – don’t know the producer or region well, but the price is right, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the outstanding 2005 vintage. $14.95

A pair of Cotes du Rhone Villages from Rasteau– see last release’s notes on reading the label
DOMAINE BEAU MISTRAL RASTEAU 2006 AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Sélections Vieilles Vignes Score - 88. (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2008) $23.95
PERRIN & FILS RASTEAU L'ANDÉOL 2006AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages This wine comes from a tiny, low-yielding vineyard in Rasteau known as L'Andéol. See the previous release for a note on reading the label. 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com,) $19.95

Italy
BANFI ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2006 is a great value ... think of it as a baby Brunello ready to drink now. 2008-2011. Score - 89. 375 mL $16.95 750 mL $28.95

BOLLA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO LE ORIGINI 2004 DOC - For lovers of Amarone, this should be a huge mouthful – but not cheap! The wine should be intense and rich with aromas of dried fruit, chocolate and vanilla bean. Enjoy this with braised ribs or roast beef or firm cheeses. $45.95

QUINTARELLI PRIMOFIORE 2005 blend of the Veneto trio: Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. Primofiore is packed with complex rich flavours of cherry, olives, exotic spices, and oak. Giuseppe Quintarelli designs this wine to be enjoyed much younger than most of his wines. There is a touch of Amarone added to this fresh blend for additional complexity before the wine begins its maturation in oak. As a semi cult figure, Giuseppe is not cheap though! $64.95

Spain
BODEGAS JUAN GIL MONASTRELL 2007 Monastrell, or as it is known elsewhere, Mourvèdre, is believed to be of Spanish origin. This is dark and fruity, with cherry and plum notes on the nose, full-bodied and well-balanced. Well priced for what you’ll get but don’t expect a big Cabernet $14.95