Vintages February 2 - A good time to save some bucks!

This week’s main feature is called Signature Study, the selection of the signature grapes from a number of new world wine producing areas or countries. The presentation is pretty much as you would expect, big reds from Chile, whites from Ontario, as well as a red and white each from California, Argentina and Australia. I’m sure you can guess from which grapes the latter three reds are made.  The second feature is more fizz.

Looking for the positives, this is a release that makes one very happy because there is little temptation to spend much money! It scores an estimated 61on the VRSS.

The Whites

There are three inexpensive white options and they may be among the better QPR’s in the book.

Man Vintners Chardonnay $13.95 From South Africa, very well priced and a real mouthful.

Bestheim Reserve Pinot Gris 2011 -$14.95 – A gold medal winner but just dry so expect a slight sweetness to it.

Château de Pocé Touraine sauvignon blanc 2011 $13.95 – Another Gold medal winner at a bargain price. This Sauvignon Blanc just shouts “Oysters anyone?”.

The Reds

Domaine Grand Veneur Les Champauvins Cotes du Rhone Villages 2010. - $18.95- A single vineyard offering from the domaine, this one delivers almost everything a good Gigondas or Chateauneuf might except the price. Expect the cognoscenti to rush for this one.

Yalumba  The Strapper GSM 2010 - $19.95 – I’m a big fan of the southern Rhone blends from almost anywhere but especially Oz. This one will deliver for you. Think of it as your favourite expensive Cotes du Rhone Villages  from a very hot vintage! Not huge, but big enough to hold its own.  Grilled or roast chicken is calling!

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2010 - At $16.95 this one’ll be a good option for casual get togethers and BBQ’s come the summer. Mmmm, Lamb burgers!

Also, both Chapel Hill offerings should also be very very good in this release.

Cabernet Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 -$19.95 – Doesn’t get the high score of the KJ in the big buck options, but it’ll always please a crowd.

Suzanna Balboa Signature Malbec 2010  -$19.95– A rerelease methinks. The score is too high but it’ll be very good.

Tarapaca Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon $16.95 – A well priced offering from the Maipo Valley. The Maipo  has always been among my favourite areas for Cabs from Chile so it’s worth trying.  I expect some coarseness to accompany the black fruit.

Les Halos de Jupiter 2010 Costieres de Nimes. $14.95 - Ah the geography lesson of last month paid off! Well priced for a fruity, pleasing blend.

Hecht and Bannier Cotes du Roussillon Villages 2010 - $23.95 – H&B is among the highest quality producers in the Midi. You’ll be happy with this bad boy but the two options from the Southern Rhone for $5 to $9 less will be just as good.

Stefano Farina Solers La Bocce 2009 – Italy, at $15.95 and well scored by Bruce Sanderson in the WS, this one could be a terrific accompaniment to rich pasta dishes.

Beronia Reserva 2008 - $18.95 – Spain,  High quality and always very tasty but I take umbrage with the Vintages Panel’s quote that it “really delivers for the price”. Sorry but this one really delivered when the price was $2 less. Now it just delivers.

The Big Buck Options

Tour de L’Ile Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 – $39.95 Another long lived option from the fabulous 2010 Vintage, this can be enjoyed early with sufficient decanting or some red meat to cut the tannins. Big and bold to be sure but this is one that I’d consider taking a pass on and trying the Clos Du Calvaire for $11 less.

Chappellet Signature 2009 - $68.95, I love  Chappellet’s wines, but this is just too much for what you’re getting. If you check out Vinopedia, you’ll find two and a half pages of retailers listed before you even hit the $50 mark.  The scary thing is, this’ll sell. But not to me!

Kendall Jackson Jackson Hills 2007 – $44.95. Hmmm, interesting review. Calls it young and yet says just drink though 2013. Seems at odds with itself. I’m at odds with the price.

Ebenezer Shiraz 2007 - $40.95 – After pushing against the $40 ceiling for so long, this big brute has finally broken  through it. Is it worth it? Only your palate can tell for sure but it is a huge mouthful of black fruit, pepper, hints of mint and alchohol.  

Tenimenti Angelini Val di Suga Brunello di Montalcino 2007- $49.95- From a wonderful vintage in Tuscany, this one is probably one of the best of the big buck options.

Cirrus Syrah 2007- At 33.95 this one is expensive for a wine whose ‘best before date’ from James Molesworth was last year. Take that part of his review with a grain of salt, but if you do buy, be advised you might not be buying for a 5 yr. rest in the cellar.