June 8th Release - a Quickie summary

In case you wonder, I missed reviewing the May 24^th release as I was in Tuscany catching a very bad case of strep throat and a head cold. My sense of smell and tastebuds were shot. Talk about a fate worse than death!  In the middle of wine heaven with no olfactory and gustatory senses. Life can be cruel sometimes!

June 8^th release celebrates Argentina, Dad’s Day and Ontario Roses. It’s another dull release with no ‘must buy’ wines.

Whites

Alamos Chardonnay 2012 - $13.95 – Hard to go wrong at that price with summer (and spritzers)  in the offing.

Domaine Raoul Gautherin et Fils Chablis 1er Cru 2010 - $28.95 – Up there in price for a white but I might spring for this to accompany some planked salmon.

Rolland Lavanturer 2010 - $19.95 – Nice wine.

The Red Picks

Decoy 2010 -$29.95 – Second label to Duckhorn, this is as good a price as the LCBO as I can recall the LCBO selling  this wine. That’s not to say it’s a bargain, just to say it won’t get much better, pricewise. Special note, for $5 more I ‘d spring for the Girard Cab from Napa.

Chakana Estate Selection Red 2011 - $29.95 – Scoring a 94 from the palate that walks like a man (RP) will not hurt the demand for this red blend. Expect  bigness in every way from the the top cuvee of this good MOR producer. If you can throw a slab of beef on the barbq, you’ll get even more from it!

Les Vignes de Bila Haut Cotes du Rousillon 2011 –$14.95 -  Looking for a nice sophisticated wine under $15? This could be the ticket. From Chapoutier’s Languedoc holdings, annually this is a good buy.

Domaine de la Tete Noir Vacqueyras 2010 - $22.95 – The second recent release from this supplier.

The Big Buck delights

Finca Altamira Navigato Family Reserve 2008 - $46.95 – Interesting to study the scores on this wine a bit. WS gave it an 88, Jay Miller sees fit to plop 93 big ones on it. Another big red blend. If you like Achaval Ferrer’s Quimera and have some disposable income, take a shot!

Ridge Santa Cruz Estate 2009 $52.95 – Think of it as the baby Monte Bello at an almost affordable price. Too bad it’s over my $50 ceiling.

Sebastiani Secolo Red 2007 – Some age on it and although expensive at $42.95, might be worth a look.