Wednesday, October 14, 2015

October 17th Vintages - Cali and Piedmont vie for your cash

The October 17thst release sees the prices begin to spike as we head into the Christmas time releases. Focused on California with an able backup from Barolo, this one will be a wallet lightener to be sure. The LCBO, ever the masters of the understatement called this release the California Gold Rush. Look at the prices and you’ll see why - They’re rushing to get our gold.
MIDI
M. CHAPOUTIER DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2013   998 cases of 12   $25.95 – Always excellent but will need a bit of time to calm down.
VILLA SYMPOSIA L'EQUILIBRE 2012   221 cases of 12  $22.95  - Another reasonably good buy for a mid term ageworthy wine.
RHÔNE
FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2013   404 cases of 12  $17.95 – With the Nicalo, this is the semibargain red selection of the release.
DOMAINES PERRIN COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 344 cases of 12 $29.95 – A Cotes du Rhone with Chateauneufian sensibilities. Built to age in the medium term, you’ll find it puckeringly  tannic in its youth.
AUSTRALIA
3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2013   995 cases of 12  $18.95  - Consistent wine – never let’s you down.
MOLLYDOOKER THE BOXER SHIRAZ 2013   199 cases of 12   $29.95 – Sometimes referred to as The BenlynDooker, this’ll be inky black garnet and juicy. Old style OZ.
D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE 2010   191 cases of 12   $29.95 Is it my imagination or has this jumped in price from last year? 
VENICE
 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ 2013 948 cases of 12  $17.95 – The other semibargain of the release. I do expect to like this one based on history.
SPAIN
RIOJA VEGA RESERVA 2008   1059 cases of 12   $21.95 – Lots of bottles so no rush.
DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2011   298 cases of 12   $29.95 – This one has jumped in price if I recall correctly. Expect something akin to a southern Rhone palate with a dollop of pinot noir thrown in. The only grape in it is mencia. But that’s what it tastes like to me.
BIG BUCKS
FATTORIA DI BASCIANO I PINI 2011   239 cases of 6 $30.95 – I’m hoping for a replay of Castello del  Terriccio’s terrific Tassinaia with this one. One dollar too much drops it into the Big Buck zone.
BRITISH COLUMBIA’s JACKSON-TRIGGS SUNROCK VINEYARD ILLUMINA 2012   111 cases of 6  $34.95- A spectacular setting and a terrific vineyard in both soil composition and solar exposure.  If you want to see how much fruit a Canadian red can show try this blend of Zinfandel and Shiraz.  Note to J.T - check the harvest dates on the PDF for this one on the Great Estates website.
CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE  348 cases of 12   $45.95  - I’m a big fan of Di Ama but I’ll have to drown my sorrows with a bottle of 2009 Reserva since  I expect I’ll lose out on the charge for this one come Saturday (or Friday, or whenever!). Like the Banfi below, it’ll need some time to tame the tannins.
BANFI POGGIO ALLE MURA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   110 cases of 6   $69.95 Patience people, patience. Needs at least 7 years to show the best it has to offer.
All across Europe, 2010 was a great vintage. The following four Barolos should provide real pleasure for you.
TENUTA ROCCA BAROLO 2010   239 cases of 12   $36.95 
PRUNOTTO BAROLO 2010   199 cases of 12    $40.95  
FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2010   200 cases of 12    $44.95  
ASCHERI SORANA BAROLO 2010   111 cases of 12   $57.95  
PICCINI VILA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   299 cases of 12    $36.95 – A nice comparatively inexpensive Brunello to sip while you wait for the 2010 Banfi below to age and come around. Remember, patience is a virtue though!
DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   149 cases of 12    $43.95

Black Stallion Napa Cabernet 2012 - $32.95 – 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance a blend of the Bordeaux grapes this is as close to a bargain as I could find from Napa. But I’ll wait for next release and buy a cab from Washington St. or Chile.

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