Just back from two and a half weeks enjoying many of the
pleasures that Italy has to offer so this week’s release returns us to earth
with a thud. A few to choose from and fewer still to get excited about!
ARGENTINA
ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS TERROIR MALBEC 2012 222 cases of 12 $22.95 – A late season steak on
the BBQ? Well then, here’s this week’s rare beef special.
AUSTRALIA
CAPE BARREN NATIVE
GOOSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 259 cases of 12 $19.95 A nice GSM for roast
pheasant or other winged creature or perhaps something porcine.
CHALK HILL WINES WITS
END LUNA SHIRAZ 2013 598 cases of 12 $18.95
CHILE
TABALI RESERVA SYRAH
2012 398 cases of 12 $14.95 – I expect this to be
the best bargain in the release if you like black cherry with your smokey,
meaty, sweaty, olive tinged wines. From vineyards
in the Limari Valley in Chile which happens to be a very good location for
syrah.
FRANCE MIDI
GÉRARD BERTRAND TERROIR CORBIÈRES 2011 499 cases
of 12 $16.95 – The only problem with this is that there are too many Bertrand
bottles to choose from in most Vintages sections. As good a producer as he is,
this seems a Biweekly occurrence now and runs the risk of brand overload.
DOMAINE LAFAGE CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES
2013 1197 cases of 12 $19.95 – Jeb Dunnuck will
become a name you see more and more in Vintages reviews. Especially as he
reviews other regions besides the Rhone. He might be stretching credibility
with this score. 93 points is a lot for this vintage and producer but it’ll
serve the LCBO well I suppose.
SICILY
CUSUMANO NOÀ 2012 332 cases
of 12 $22.95 - For fans of big, black
reds I recommend that you take a few steps off the beaten path and try this
blend. Decant or at least open an hour ahead.
TUSCANY
FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI
CLASSICO 2012 398 cases of 12 $25.95 - A little fruitier than the reserve, great
with tomato and or meat sauces.
BIG BUCKS
TENUTA SETTE PONTI
CROGNOLO 2012 349 cases of 12 $35.95 Further evidence that James Suckling’s palate
has gone south. Can’t possibly be this good and I will not waste $35 to prove
it.
TENUTA SAN VINCENTI
GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 100 cases of 12 $54.95 The latest of the Chiantis dressed in Brunello
pricetags.
Age alert*****Those already
in retirement should seriously consider whether they’ll be around to see each
of the following wines in its prime.
CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 224 cases
of 12 $59.95 A brilliant vintage across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello
and Barolo, here is the latest of the 2010’s. By the way, stay tuned for my
notes on our visit to the region and the unanimous perception of the LCBO among
producers in Tuscany.
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA
ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNCIATA BAROLO 2010 224 cases of 12 $44.95 – A brilliant vintage
across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello and Barolo, here is the
latest of the 2010’s.
LE VIEUX DONJON
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 149 cases of 12 $58.95 Do you have a vertical to keep alive? Go
for one perhaps. This’ll need 5- 10 years to even consider it to be ready to
approach.
