It’s time for OZ again and if I recall correctly, I complained about the Vintages Australian release not having enough GSM’s last year. Was someone at the LCBO reading me? This year’s Aussie release has a number of them, across price points from under $18 to almost $35. That’s good news boys and girls! Even better is we have a number of old world GSM blends with which to compare them in this release. That’ll make doing an ‘Old world vs. new world’ throwdown even easier!
Also in the release are wines from 6 relatively under appreciated grapes. Some are quite well known, others, perhaps not so much. A few make it into my picks below.
My Top Three (ok, there are 4)
HECHT & BANNIER ST-CHINIAN 2009 A terrific score and a review from David Schildknecht that reads like a Harlequin romance novel. The only thing missing was sweating, heaving bosoms. An excellent producer, how do you pass up a wine with a ‘resonant, baritonal finish’? I expect it to have me singing, especially at this price $23.95
LUCA LABORDE DOUBLE SELECT SYRAH 2009 A smokin’ Argentinian to compare to the Aussies in this release. Great producer, Laura Catena is from arguably the first family of Argentinian wine, and it’s well priced at $22.95
TORBRECK CUVÉE JUVENILES 2009 $29.95 – This is priced where the Penfolds Bin series should be. This’ll be comparable to a Gigondas or CdP but with an Aussie palate
JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2009 $24.95 – Another wonderful wine from a terrific producer. The Clare valley is a cooler climate so this will not be a Barossa fruit bomb but a very good (and still big) wine.
The Best of the Rest (and they are all excellent)
DOMAINE DE CABASSE GIGONDAS 2007- $29.95 – Oh so close to the top four, this should be coming into its drinking window right about now. I'm not sure why Molesworth says best before 2011.
DESCENDIENTES DE J. PALACIOS PÉTALOS 2009 – Made from the Mencia grape in the ‘still under the radar’ region of Bierzo in Spain, I think ‘Pin-ache-yrah when I taste this wine. Some Pinot noir notes, some Grenache and hints of syrah are all there. This wine was ranked #26 on the 2011 Wine SpectatorTop 100. Readers might remember my anticipation for last year’s release of this wine and my disappointment in it. Harsh almost astringent and too drying on the finish. Watch for that in this year’s because it won't go away with time. But, this year’s appears to be back on track based on the accompanying review, and is well priced at $22.95. Also, if you buy a wine for its label, this has one of the most stylistic ones going.
Turkey Flat SGM 2009 - $19.95 –Ignore the 94 from Halliday, he’s always too high – 90 points from LPB – but this’ll also be a tasty Aussie take on a Rhone blend at a very good price.
EDGE WINES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - Last year's was pretty tasty. Not cheap compared to the Wakefield but for Napa, this is close to a bargain! $27.95
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 $17.95 – Good value for the price always from Wakefield.
HEWITSON MISS HARRY 2009 $23.95 – worth a try.
PIRRAMIMMA PETIT VERDOT 2008 – One of my go to producers from OZ. Chocolate and black cherry and in the past big, bold licorice flavours. $26.95
Five Red Cheapies
SISTER’S RUN SHIRAZ 2009 - $15.95 – A bargain and reads like a Pia wine if ever there was one!
ALAMOS MALBEC 2010 – At $13.95, the bargain in the release.
CHÂTEAU SAINT MAURICE LAUDUN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 $15.95
ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2008 - $15.95
CONCHA Y TORO SERIE RIBERAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 - $14.95 – A new product line from a consistent, high quality, producer. Fire up the BarBQ - Burgers anyone?
The Big Bucks entries
DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009 -$42.95
PETER FRANUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - $45.95 - For a Napa Cab this is pretty well priced - scary huh?
BERONIA GRAN RESERVA 2001 - $32.95 – The big brother to the always terrific Beronia reserve, at 11 years old this one has some age on it. If you want an older wine for a special meal, this is the ticket.
PENFOLDS BIN 138 GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2009 $34.95 – I’m a big believer that the BIN series from Penfolds is well made and will provide drinking pleasure but it’s too expensive by about 5 bucks a bottle.
Last but not least, some Whites!
WAKEFIELD CHARDONNAY 2009 $14.95
JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL DRY RIESLING 2011 $19.95 A cool climate riesling from OZ – take a chance on it!
SPICE ROUTE CHENIN BLANC 2009 $17.95 - A South African take on a Loire standout.
BOUGRIER VOUVRAY 2010 -$13.95 – Slightly sweeter so better with spicey foods than the S.A. above.
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