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.