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