August 06 Release - Southern Italy that should be Californian

An interesting release. Once again the LCBO Marketers have missed the mark or is that confused the marks? Based on the pricing, The Southern Italian release that they have come up with is better suited to an early January timeframe although perhaps they're aiming for the summer BBQ and dock sitters. The pinkies in this one cover that well though. Content wise, this struck me more as a California red release.

Southern Italy – bargoons abound!
Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 DOC Copertino Rosso $16.95 – Baby brother to the Apollonio that I highly praised some months back, this is worth a try.
Francesco Minini ‘Corte Dei Mori Nero d’Avola’ 2008 IGT Sicilia $13.95 – A Sicilian worth trying, especially for their signature red grape, Nero D’Avola.
Francesco Minini ‘Terre Avare’ Primitivo di Manduria 2008 DOC Primitivo di Manduria $12.95 – Zin fans, give this one a shot.
Rocca Delle Macie ‘Rubizzo’ Sangiovese Di Toscana 2008 IGT Toscana $14.95 – Just a nice simple red. Pizza, spaghetti, quaffer.
CaliforniaAs usual, the California selections all come in from $30 and up to just under $100
Kenwood ‘Jack London Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
J. Lohr ‘Hilltop Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 

Shafer ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Stolpman Estates Syrah 2007 – a new opportunity to try this Californian syrah. If it was from OZ it’d be a few bucks less probably, but hang the expense!
ChileConcha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008 Maipo Valley $14.95

Oz
Shingleback Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95. There are some good Shiraz in the release, this is the one I think’ll be the best.
France
Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $39.95 – I’m sure we’re starting to get near to the end of the releases of the terrific ’07 CNdPs. This’ll be a good one for the cellar or if you must drink it, decant this for a long time and try to avoid it whispering “Try me now, try me now” over and over to you!
Spain
Torres ‘San Valentín’ Garnacha 2008 DO Viñedos de España $13.95 – Cheap and Cheerful for Grenache fans.