October 3 Vintages release - a rude awakening

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.