April 4th, Happy Easter, may the bunny bring you egg-cellent wines!

Two releases ago it was Tuscany, this time around we’re off to Venice. If you’re a fan of the styles of the region, go for them. The Zenato Valpolicella is always solid but I would definitely pick a few wines from other regions that are in this release before that one. Among the reds, two Spanish, two French, then one each from Italy, Greece, OZ and Wahington St. make the grade. 

My picks, in order this week.

Muriel Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2008 - $18.95 – If it’s the correct wine, it was Decanter’s number 8 wine from 2013, and was terrific when previously released (last year). For under $20 it’s a thought provoking wine on its own that becomes even better with food.  Tapas here we come! Only concern is this is the second LCBO release of this wine and sometimes they’re not quite so good the second time around….. just sayin’.

Alain Jaume Clos de Sixte Lirac 2012 - $24.95 – Always superior and although ready to drink with some decanting, this one will be even better in a year or two. Look for black fruit on the palate, licorice hints on the finish. I wish it was a few dollars less, but don’t I always?

Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Reserva 2011 - $24.95 – Young but always first rate if you are patient enough. Do give it some time though.

Finca Villacreces Pruno 2012 - $21.95- If I recall correctly, two years ago this flew off the Vintages shelves. Last year it was almost as good but was a slower mover comparatively speaking. It’s all in the review I guess. Vineyards right next to Vega Sicilia, the Spanish equivalent to a Bordeaux first growth, it should be good over the next 5 or 6 years.

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa 2012 - $19.95 – A winner in the Ontario market, and from a great Aussie vintage, this one should be superior for those fans of it. Big black fruits, white pepper, and maybe hints of soy sauce (or is that salty seaweed?). And available in two sizes so when you want a bottle and a half, you can have them (but only if you thought ahead).

Gerard Bertrand Fitou 2011 -$17.95 – This wine might be the second best buy in the release and would be higher among my picks if not for the following. At one of the Vintages consultant tastings both of the   samples were suffering from apparent premature oxidation. So try one early if you buy more than one or better still visit a store that allows tastings. Bertrand is among the finer producers in the Languedoc and his wines are generally deeply flavoured, complex and often deliver a level of sophistication and quality above their price points. There should be plenty going on here but the above concerns me.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - $17.95 Excellent producer. Two warnings – one, watch out for the oak and two, their H3, which is a slightly better wine is on sale in April for three dollars off at $16.95.  Buy it instead.

Costa Lazaridis Amethystos Red 2011 - $23.95 – Is dinner Greek themed? Saganaki, spanakopita, souvlaki and tzatziki? Try this one. Fruit forward reflecting the Michel Rolland style.  

BIG BUCKS

The choices above mean I won’t even consider going above $40 in this release.

Hess Allomi Vineyard 2012 - $39.95 – Might buy one for a special occasion. The pro reviewers rarely seem to score this one where I think it should be but given some time, it’s a very, very nice wine. Full of black current, cedar and very full bodied. $10 (a full 25%) over the US price though.

Burrowing Owl Syrah 2011 - $39.95 – Big bucks for a renowned Canuck producer of first rate wines. Maybe buy one to put away for Canada Day.

Ebenezer Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 - $39.95 – Massive comes to mind when contemplating this wine. It is a big brute, vicious on your wallet, viscous on the palate to be sure. Not a brilliant vintage in South OZ but a very classy producer.