Overall this is a more expensive release. While there are some sub-$20 values, they are few and far between in my opinion. That said, there are also some terrific wines that you might just have to decide to spring for. Here are my picks, some are expensive so where I would have bought 2 or 3 in another release, this time around I’ll only be buying one.
MOMO PINOT GRIS 2008 $18.95
MOUNT NELSON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $17.95
TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI SALTA GRILLI ROSATO 2009 $14.95
LAURUS GIGONDAS 2006 AC $24.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 $36.95
MARCHESI DI BAROLO BAROLO 2005 $38.95
The Whites
MOMO PINOT GRIS 2008 $18.95
MOUNT NELSON SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 $17.95
ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2009 Bright tropical fruit, pear and apple flavours, a viscous texture and a crisp finish are the hallmarks of this popular Pinot Grigio. Serve it as a refreshing aperitif or with grilled chicken breasts and summer salads.
$19.95
Zin and Prim fans – just one pick from me-
GLADIATOR PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2007 $15.95
The ROSÉS
TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI SALTA GRILLI ROSATO 2009 pretty rosé, last year’s was one of my favourites of the summer so I expect nothing less this year. Calls out for a variety of foods such as barbecued chicken, grilled tuna, or grilled pork with a mango chutney. Filled with lemon zest, black cherry and spice aromas and flavours, this dry wine finishes with a zingy fruitiness. $14.95
The REDS
RENACER PUNTO FINAL MALBEC 2008 A forward, juicy style, with blackberry and licorice notes that stay lively on the medium-weight finish. Drink now. Score: 88. $13.95
LEONARDO CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 DOCG A great vintage in Chianti, this one should be very nice $21.95
Two Shiraz, but note the scores are from Halliday so I regard them as inflated by 3 to 5 points
BREMERTON SELKIRK SHIRAZ 2007 Langhorne Creek, South Australia, Purple-red; a complex bouquet of black fruits, licorice and spice, the palate taking these characters on to another dimension, with a touch of chocolate, ripe but soft tannins, and oak. Score: 94. $19.95
PIKES EASTSIDE SHIRAZ 2006 Clare Valley, South Australia TASTING NOTE: Deep purple; a voluminous bouquet of black fruits, spice and licorice; a medium- to full-bodied and rich palate, flooded with black fruit and spice flavours; great tannin and oak support. Score: 95. $22.95
ROSEMOUNT TRADITIONAL SHOW RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT/PETIT VERDOT 2005 McLaren Vale, South Australia Usually a terrific wine, if slightly pricey. This one has also been moved to the new Rosemount wine bottle/ label that cheapens the product within (see my notes on the GSM from a few releases ago). Want to compare an Old world and a New world Bordeaux blend? Try this and the next one from Bordeaux. Score: 90. $34.95
CHÂTEAU LAROSE TRINTAUDON 2004 $26.95 – 5 stars from Decanter – hard to argue with that score and that price!
CHÀTEAU DE NAGES JT COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2006 $21.95
LAURUS GIGONDAS 2006 AC Rich but racy, with a lovely black tea and warm cherry sauce perfume leading the way for juicy currant, fig and braised beef notes. Warm licorice and coffee frame the finish. Drink now through 2014. Score: 91. $24.95
DOMAINE MONTMARTEL VISAN 2007 TASTING NOTE: From the great 2007 Rhône vintage, this rerelease has rose petal, blueberry and cassis on the nose. Dry, mouth-coatingly fruity with good tannins and a long finish. Age it 2-4+ years, or break out the rare roast beef. $15.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 AC Lots going on here and a truly wonderful vintage for the region. This’ll benefit from another 1-2 years of bottle age, and will drink nicely for 15+ years if you have the proper storage. Score: 90. $36.95
MARCHESI DI BAROLO BAROLO 2005 TASTING NOTE: Offers strawberry jam on the nose, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long aftertaste of ripe fruit and cream. Very, very chewy, but the tannins are polished. Excellent value. Best after 2013. Score: 91. $38.95
DOMINUS ESTATE NAPANOOK 2006 second wine of Dominus, this Cabernet based Bordeaux blend should be very good, if expensive. Score: 91. $49.95
SANCTUARY USIBELLI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Score: 90. $34.95
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