California’s lesser known regions share the spotlight with the wines of Southern France in the Aug.20 Vintages release. Having been away in BC for the week prior to this release, I’m a little late reviewing this one but there weren’t many to tempt my palate anyway so I’ll use this as an opportunity to save you some money.
Chateau des Flaugergues Sommeliere 2007 – Well priced at $17.95, this wine exhibits black fruit on the nose with hints of herbs and olive. The big sniff is followed by raspberry ganache/ black cherry on the fore palate with hints of smoke and olive tapenade bringing up the rear. WS had it at #50 in their Top 100. It’s a very nice wine, well priced and ready to consume now or over the next 3 or 4 years. Best of all, there is still some around even today!
Ampelos Gamma Syrah 2006 – From the makers of one of the few Pinot Noirs that I have enjoyed, I expect this to be a big mouthful of sophisticated flavours. A tad pricey at $27.95, but a good bottle from the Santa Rita Hills of California.
Pirramimma Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 – Could this be the answer to Doug’s quest for an affordable, sophisticated Aussie Cab? I think it might, if $24.95 is not too high a price. Terrific producer across the board.
Louis Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 – as good a price as you’ll find for a quality Napa cab. $29.95 for currants, smoke and cedar hints.
Les Celettes 2009 – A gold medal winner, this Cotes du Rhone is well priced at $13.95
Domaine de Bila Haut Occultum Lapidem 2008. The ’07 release of this wine was very highly rated by most reviewers but was lost on me. I expect more of the same here – I will avoid it.
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