August 21st release - take a week off and wait for Sept 04th

There’s not a lot to get me excited this release. I would wait for the next one unless you see something that really catches your tastebuds. We truly are in the dog days of summer at the LCBO!

Argentina – Red
Alamos 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95) – Always a good price for the quality that’s in the bottle.
Finca el Origen Reserva Malbec @14.95 and the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec @$19.95 are both terrific examples of Malbec, but I'm malbec'd out. Don't let that stop you though.

Argentina – White …
Accuro 2009 Torrentes ($14.95) – Bored with Chards and Sauv Blancs? Argentina’s signature white wine – try it you might like it.

Australia – Red …
Two Hands 2008 Brave Face Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro ($24.95) – Big Alcohol, but usually a terrific producer.’08 was a difficult year in Oz but I would expect dark fruits, hints of pepper on the finish and perhaps some coffee and raspberry ganache after it’s open for a while. All that said, you might be better off to try to find the Rolf Binder Halliwell 2007 Shiraz Grenache that recently went on sale at $20.20 – a better vintage and less $$’s. I tried a bottle last weekend and there was a lot going on - initial hit was currants, licorice, spice then a subtle meaty, almost sausagey taste on the back of the palate. That left with air to be replaced with vanilla, blackberries and more spices.


There are a few good Aussie entries this week, just nothing that really turned my crank.

France – the Rhone
Chateau de Beaucastel 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($84.95) – Massive, cellar worthy, make that cellar necessary!!! wine. Wait for as many years as you can – tremendous vintage – too bad it’s too expensive.

Perrin & Fils 2007 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95) – if you liked the Vinsobres, you’ll like this!
From the Midi, a couple a cheap and cheerful ones, Domaine La Paraza Minervois 2007 and the Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs CAbardes 2008 at $13.95 and $14.95 each.

The Cotes Du Rhone - Yes it's an '07, but I read Michael Pinkus's review that indicated one bottle was terrible while a second was terrific. To quote him, "look for the one with the winery name stacked on the label, not the words all in a row. Juicy and intense with lots of black fruit and licorice."

Italy
Rendola 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($36.95 - #0181412) – ’04 Brunellos under $40 – try one. If you must open, decant it.

There is a rerelease of the '06 Monte Antico - these rereleases are always buyer beware, as you may not be getting the real good stuff any longer. But, that said, this was a WS Top 100 wine and for $15, it's worth a try.