March 21, finally some interesting wines, but not the Icons.

March 21, 2015 and this Vintages release finally provides us with one that has a variety of medium  priced options that are, unlike previous releases, not lacking in interest. There are more than a few delectable, selectable wines, and considering not a single one is from this week’s Big Dollar Napa errr California  contingent, I think that’s a great percentage from the balance of the release.

Pick carefully, some of the choices are going to have to find a quiet, cool, dark spot on the floor of your basement for a while.

Here we go, once again sorted by country, my best bets get an asterisk beside their names.

FRANCE

Chateau Vincens 2011 $17.95 334 cases  ****– A Wine Enthusiast Top 15 wine from 2103. At this price you expect a fruit bomb for immediate consumption but this one wants to be treated like the cave dweller it is. Just leave it for in the dark for 3 years or more.

 ARGENTINA

LUCA LABORDE DOUBLE SELECT SYRAH 2012 335 cases of 6 $24.95 ****– Among the upper level of the Catena brands, the Luca Syrah has managed to consistently pull down scores of over 90 points for its sophistication, flavor profile and depth.

Chakana Estate Selection Red Blend 2012 $26.95 **** but only 249 cases of 6 – Malbec, Cab Sauv, and Syrah. Strap on the elbow pads and call in the favours. If you can find a few of these, I’m sure there’ll be a battle to buy them just based on Parker’s review.

 PASCUAL TOSO BARRANCAS VINEYARDS RESERVE CABERNET 349 cases of 12 -  $19.95 – Probably will be almost as good as the above and all cab.

CHILE

BISQUERTT LA JOYA GRAND RESERVE SYRAH 2012 495 cases $16.95 ****– Another end of year Top 100 wine, this time from Wine Spectator, this one should be good and solid, especially at the price.

AUSTRALIA

SCHILD ESTATE SHIRAZ 2012 599 cases of 12 $24.95   - A blind taste off between this and the Luca might yield some very interesting and surprising results.  Keep in mind that Schild has tried to go upscale with some single vineyard products so what was their ‘estate’ shiraz in past years may not be the same this year. Spiffy label though.

 YALUMBA THE GUARDIAN SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2010   447 cases of 10 - $21.95 – Another Cote Roti-esque option from Oz.

SOUTH AFRICA

THE MENTORS  SHIRAZ 2011  KWV   139 cases of 6 $29.95 – A few bucks over the Luca and Schild but worth buying if you’re going to have a shiraz-fest and want the out of town sleeper. 

TUSCANY

MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2011 ****  600 cases of 12 $21.95  - Always a very solid performer. Best left alone for a year (up to 7 or 8) but can be decanted and enjoyed right now with something red on a plate. Disregard Suckling’s comment. He has scored this wine the same in past vintages.

 VILLA CERNA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010   270 cases of 12 $28.95 – Worth one if only for the vintage.

GREECE

BOUTARI GRANDE RESERVE 2008 ****   299 cases of 12 $17.95 – A well priced Xynomavro – think cab franc visits the nude beaches of the Aegean.

Big Bucks

 BREZZA BAROLO 2010 217 cases of 12 -$46.95

Chateau Pinerai l‘Authentique 2011 only 116 cases of 6 - $39.95 – 5 Stars from the oft derided Decanter magazine, but that is a terrific score. While this one appears readier to consume, it’ll still benefit from a bit of time.

CASTELLO DI AMA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2009 184 cases of 12 - $16.95 – Small bottles for those of you who are fans of the producer. I am, and bought a bunch of the 750ml bottles so I can open these to see how the bigger brothers are maturing. Makes the big bucks because these are half bottles.

And a bunch of overpriced Cali stuff that is way above my level of affordability. YMMV.