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
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A quickie tasting note - Montes Alpha 2006
Tried the Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 this weekend. This has been out for a bit over a month as a sleeper release, not part of a structured release but it is in the Vintages section of most stores.Outstanding wine! The taste profile to my uneducated palate was much more California than Chile. Tremendous cassis/ black cherry notes with liqourice accents and a wee bit of cedar. Tannins are perceptable but soft already.
The Montes Alpha is worth hunting down - I'd like to tell you how it changed after an hour in a decanter but it didn't last long enough to even get to the carafe! Instructions from the boss were to 'buy more'.
Served with rare roast beef, it was terrific!
Absolutely an excellent buy at $22.95, it'll evolve for a couple of years but I wouldn't expect it to be too long lived.
The Montes Alpha is worth hunting down - I'd like to tell you how it changed after an hour in a decanter but it didn't last long enough to even get to the carafe! Instructions from the boss were to 'buy more'.
Served with rare roast beef, it was terrific!
Absolutely an excellent buy at $22.95, it'll evolve for a couple of years but I wouldn't expect it to be too long lived.
Monday, January 12, 2009
January 17th - Argentina Focus - Let's Tango with a few of them!
This is not a great release, and out only a week after the previous one, but there are a few goodies to be sure!
I'll be buying some of the 3 Southern Rhone selections including
PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS 2006 91 pts. $18.95 – OK, time to bore everyone with a lesson in some 'Old World, but in this case French' Wine Labelling. I hope I get it right. 'Vinsobres' is a specific named area ( or 'CRU') within the larger named area (appellation) called Cotes Du Rhone Villages. Vinsobres, like its neighbours Vacqueyras or Gigondas, is defined largely by the distinct quality and style of the wines produced within the area. The Vinsobres Cru consists of a selection of the best terroirs of Vinsobres. Only 1300 hectares of the 1800 have been selected based on the geology and exposition (south-exposed vineyards only have been included in the cru delimitation and the balance can only produce wines labelled Cotes du Rhone, not even Cotes du Rhone Villages). Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' comes from two specific vineyards that are right by the small village of Cornuds. By law, these wines must be a blend of a minimum 50% Grenache with a minimum 25% Syrah or Mourvedre. As it is, I think this one is a 50/50 split, grenache and syrah ( but could be 65/35). Because the wine blend is required by law, the French do not make a habit of defining the grapes in the wine on the label because everyone knows the laws and if you know the laws, you know the grapes. In the new world, all these nice laws are out the window, so people want to know what's in the bottle. ( see the Stump Jump for a new world equivalent label) . These are ready to drink or hold for up to 3 or 4 years.
DOMAINE DE L'OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2007 Love the Vacqueyras style of wine and this one happens to be organic for those of you wearing hemp clothing. $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA CROZE GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE 2006AC Côtes du Rhône Could be an exceptional value. Want to compare two equivalent wines but different styles? Try this and the Stump Jump. Price wise, it's a match. Dry and juicy ready to drink now with cassoulet or rare beef. (XD) $15.95
Argentina
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza A very good quality producer and their Cab is ready to drink now. Should be big - almost black in the glass - I'll pick up a couple of them. $19.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 – Mendoza- An annual favourite, this is always big, done in the modern style favoured by the seemingly ubiquitous winemaker Michel Rolland – the reviews indicate it's a little harsher than past years, might need some time to soften up $23.95
J & F LURTON FLOR DE TORRONTÉS 2007 -Uco Valley, Mendoza, Reserva - Have never tried this white, but the review is very interesting. Might try one. $13.95
CLOS DES ANDES 2005 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza -(Poesia) –Should be massive and ageworthy, but that’s a lot of $$’s for an Argentinian, especially one I’ve never had before! Score - 91. $29.95
OZ
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Could be one for Doug! This concentrated Cabernet offers juicy blueberry and blackcurrant fruit as well as notes of cedar and spice supported by fine-grained tannins. $23.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2007 - An Aussie Cotes du Rhone - Drink this easy-drinking quaffer over the next 2-3 years. Always a great buy - 88. $14.95
Italy
CONTE BRANDOLINI D'ADDA VISTORTA MERLOT 2005 - Score - (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) - Worth a shot - that's a great review - $28.95
ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Perenially excellent -medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and lots of flavor. Finishes long Drink now. Score - 90. 12.95 for the half bottle or $21.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006 - made using the Ripasso method, although it does not indicate this on the label. Tedeschi uses the recent variation on the process. They pick fully ripe grapes then allow them to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is much more flavourful and richer than the standard Valpolicella. I haven’t met a vintage I didn’t like.$18.95
MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 Wow, a sub $40 Brunello – I think this is a first for this producer at the LCBO. The 2003 was only their third vintage. This was a scorcher in Europe, so you can expect aromas of blackberry, cedar, truffle and new leather and look for lots of concentrated fruit balanced out by ripening tannins. Decant for a couple of hours and drink today or lay it down and forget about it for a while. $39.95
I'll be buying some of the 3 Southern Rhone selections including
PERRIN & FILS VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS 2006 91 pts. $18.95 – OK, time to bore everyone with a lesson in some 'Old World, but in this case French' Wine Labelling. I hope I get it right. 'Vinsobres' is a specific named area ( or 'CRU') within the larger named area (appellation) called Cotes Du Rhone Villages. Vinsobres, like its neighbours Vacqueyras or Gigondas, is defined largely by the distinct quality and style of the wines produced within the area. The Vinsobres Cru consists of a selection of the best terroirs of Vinsobres. Only 1300 hectares of the 1800 have been selected based on the geology and exposition (south-exposed vineyards only have been included in the cru delimitation and the balance can only produce wines labelled Cotes du Rhone, not even Cotes du Rhone Villages). Vinsobres 'Les Cornuds' comes from two specific vineyards that are right by the small village of Cornuds. By law, these wines must be a blend of a minimum 50% Grenache with a minimum 25% Syrah or Mourvedre. As it is, I think this one is a 50/50 split, grenache and syrah ( but could be 65/35). Because the wine blend is required by law, the French do not make a habit of defining the grapes in the wine on the label because everyone knows the laws and if you know the laws, you know the grapes. In the new world, all these nice laws are out the window, so people want to know what's in the bottle. ( see the Stump Jump for a new world equivalent label) . These are ready to drink or hold for up to 3 or 4 years.
DOMAINE DE L'OISELET VACQUEYRAS 2007 Love the Vacqueyras style of wine and this one happens to be organic for those of you wearing hemp clothing. $21.95
DOMAINE DE LA CROZE GRANIER CUVÉE RÉSERVE 2006AC Côtes du Rhône Could be an exceptional value. Want to compare two equivalent wines but different styles? Try this and the Stump Jump. Price wise, it's a match. Dry and juicy ready to drink now with cassoulet or rare beef. (XD) $15.95
Argentina
CATENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza A very good quality producer and their Cab is ready to drink now. Should be big - almost black in the glass - I'll pick up a couple of them. $19.95
CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2007 – Mendoza- An annual favourite, this is always big, done in the modern style favoured by the seemingly ubiquitous winemaker Michel Rolland – the reviews indicate it's a little harsher than past years, might need some time to soften up $23.95
J & F LURTON FLOR DE TORRONTÉS 2007 -Uco Valley, Mendoza, Reserva - Have never tried this white, but the review is very interesting. Might try one. $13.95
CLOS DES ANDES 2005 - Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza -(Poesia) –Should be massive and ageworthy, but that’s a lot of $$’s for an Argentinian, especially one I’ve never had before! Score - 91. $29.95
OZ
ROSEMOUNT SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Could be one for Doug! This concentrated Cabernet offers juicy blueberry and blackcurrant fruit as well as notes of cedar and spice supported by fine-grained tannins. $23.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2007 - An Aussie Cotes du Rhone - Drink this easy-drinking quaffer over the next 2-3 years. Always a great buy - 88. $14.95
Italy
CONTE BRANDOLINI D'ADDA VISTORTA MERLOT 2005 - Score - (3 out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2008) - Worth a shot - that's a great review - $28.95
ANTINORI PÈPPOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 Perenially excellent -medium- to full-bodied, with a silky texture and lots of flavor. Finishes long Drink now. Score - 90. 12.95 for the half bottle or $21.95
TEDESCHI CAPITEL DEI NICALÒ VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2006 - made using the Ripasso method, although it does not indicate this on the label. Tedeschi uses the recent variation on the process. They pick fully ripe grapes then allow them to dry on mats for about one month prior to pressing. The resulting wine is much more flavourful and richer than the standard Valpolicella. I haven’t met a vintage I didn’t like.$18.95
MÁTÉ BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 Wow, a sub $40 Brunello – I think this is a first for this producer at the LCBO. The 2003 was only their third vintage. This was a scorcher in Europe, so you can expect aromas of blackberry, cedar, truffle and new leather and look for lots of concentrated fruit balanced out by ripening tannins. Decant for a couple of hours and drink today or lay it down and forget about it for a while. $39.95
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Jan. 10 Vintages release - a few bargains.
THE LCBO STARTS OFF THE YEAR IN A STRANGE WAY - WITH A BARGAIN RELEASE FOLLOWED ONE WEEK LATER WITH AN ARGENTINA FOCUSED 2nd 'sort of bargain' RELEASE.
THE BARGAIN RELEASE IS FOR 2 REASONS. ONE, YOU’RE BROKE AND TWO, THEY USUALLY HAVE A SALE TO COMPETE AGAINST THEIR FIRST RELEASE. THIS YEAR THEY HAD A SALE IN DECEMBER, SO IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER IN JANUARY IT SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE. WATCH FOR IT!
BARGAIN OF THE RELEASE - ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 – Probably the BUY of the release if you can find it! Drink this hedonistic effort over the next three years.- 90. $14.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP WHITE 2007 – a perrenial bargain @ $14.95
KILIKANOON THE LACKEY SHIRAZ 2006. It is a Best Buy. Score - 89. $17.95
PILLAR BOX RED 2006 - this wine is unfined and unfiltered so if you don’t decant it be careful pouring the last glass. An good buy at $17.95
TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ 2005 – A favourite producer of mine. $20.95
ST. HALLETT FAITH SHIRAZ 2006 – Always good 88 to 91 points $19.95
MARQUEE CLASSIC ARTISAN WINES GSM 2006 - a well priced Aussie GSM- new to me though $18.95
LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2007 - partnership with 300 growers to create wonderful wines like this aromatic blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvédre. Packed with dense black cherry fruit and spice, both complex and elegant $20.95
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2006 AC Côtes du Ventoux unfined/unfiltered is a blend of 70% Grenache / 30% Syrah. Give it a bit of time - this should be a good wine to drink over the next 4-5 years.-90 $15.95
BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007- Very young but well priced $14.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 $14.95
TERRANOBLE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 One of the LCBO Wines of the Month ( theirs, not mine) but should be good nonetheless. $18.95
TAJA RESERVA 2003 This Reserva is compliments of the owners of Bordeaux's famed Château Palmer.- 90 points $16.95
ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO 2005 Wine Advocate rated this a 'Best Buy' This should be a wine with spicy black fruits, a silky texture, and ripe tannins. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015. Score - 90. $15.95
N SENTIDO 2005 The big priced wine of the release for me. $25.95
But remember, I'm watching for the sale.
THE BARGAIN RELEASE IS FOR 2 REASONS. ONE, YOU’RE BROKE AND TWO, THEY USUALLY HAVE A SALE TO COMPETE AGAINST THEIR FIRST RELEASE. THIS YEAR THEY HAD A SALE IN DECEMBER, SO IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER IN JANUARY IT SHOULD BE A GOOD ONE. WATCH FOR IT!
BARGAIN OF THE RELEASE - ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2006 – Probably the BUY of the release if you can find it! Drink this hedonistic effort over the next three years.- 90. $14.95
D'ARENBERG THE STUMP JUMP WHITE 2007 – a perrenial bargain @ $14.95
KILIKANOON THE LACKEY SHIRAZ 2006. It is a Best Buy. Score - 89. $17.95
PILLAR BOX RED 2006 - this wine is unfined and unfiltered so if you don’t decant it be careful pouring the last glass. An good buy at $17.95
TORBRECK OLD VINES GRENACHE/SHIRAZ 2005 – A favourite producer of mine. $20.95
ST. HALLETT FAITH SHIRAZ 2006 – Always good 88 to 91 points $19.95
MARQUEE CLASSIC ARTISAN WINES GSM 2006 - a well priced Aussie GSM- new to me though $18.95
LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2007 - partnership with 300 growers to create wonderful wines like this aromatic blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvédre. Packed with dense black cherry fruit and spice, both complex and elegant $20.95
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2006 AC Côtes du Ventoux unfined/unfiltered is a blend of 70% Grenache / 30% Syrah. Give it a bit of time - this should be a good wine to drink over the next 4-5 years.-90 $15.95
BARON PHILIPPE DE ROTHSCHILD RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007- Very young but well priced $14.95
MONTES LIMITED SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 $14.95
TERRANOBLE GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 One of the LCBO Wines of the Month ( theirs, not mine) but should be good nonetheless. $18.95
TAJA RESERVA 2003 This Reserva is compliments of the owners of Bordeaux's famed Château Palmer.- 90 points $16.95
ALBADA VIÑAS VIEJAS GARNACHA TINTO 2005 Wine Advocate rated this a 'Best Buy' This should be a wine with spicy black fruits, a silky texture, and ripe tannins. It will evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2015. Score - 90. $15.95
N SENTIDO 2005 The big priced wine of the release for me. $25.95
But remember, I'm watching for the sale.
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