Let's start the year with a question. Why can't you find the Vintages delistings anywhere on the Vintages (or LCBO) websites? I bought a Cornas that was $11 off the posted price but I had to ask for a price check and not even the Vintages consultant knew about it! I found the info on a wine forum and have no idea of how long it had been at that new pricepoint. LCBO, you work for me, so tell me these things!!!!
The first release of the year should allow your wallet to
recover from the voracious Vintages attacks of the last few months. I say
should but remember, we’re dealing with the LCBO here. In their inimitable
wisdom they have started the year with a feature called “How to Be a SMART Shopper”
like they’re our best friend and have
our interests at heart. But at the same
time they charge us exorbitant markups and provide limited selections and availabilities.
New year….same old transparently obvious
LCBO.
While there might be
one or two ageworthy choices available in this release, they are outnumbered by
the simple quaffers.
SOUTH AFRICA
MULDERBOSCH CHENIN BLANC 2015 S 12 335 $14.95 Distinctive
label, nice with oysters especially, but any seafood or fish will suffice.
RED TABLE WINE
CHILE
Santa Rita Medalla
Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 - 699 cases of 12 $17.95 - Best QPR Cab in the release but you're better served to grab the '12 CARMEN Gran Reserva from the general list.
RHÔNE
DOMAINE LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE Villages
2013- 1299 cases of 12 $14.95 – Not a
great vintage for Grenache so try one to confirm it’s as good as last year’s
(which by the way was a terrific value) then consider buying a case.
DOMAINE SAINT-ROCH VACQUEYRAS 2014 490 cases of 12 $21.95 Well
priced for a Vacqueyras.
ITALY
PUGLIA
ANTICO SIGILLO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2013 1040 cases
of 12 $19.95 - Expensive for a primitivo
from Puglia, especially when bought in these quantities. Should be a great
pizza or burger wine though.
TUSCANY
BIBI GRAETZ CASAMATTA SANGIOVESE 700 cases of 12 $14.95 - This is a blend of current and previous vintages, ready to drink
alongside pizza or a homemade spaghetti and meatball supper.
OZ
SISTERS RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 $15.95 - Always well priced and well valued. Meatloaf or burgers or sausage pizza.
CALIFORNIA
SISTERS RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 $15.95 - Always well priced and well valued. Meatloaf or burgers or sausage pizza.
CALIFORNIA
GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU MOUNTAIN CUVÉE 2012 799 cases
of 12 $19.95 – Parker calls it a Rhone look alike but I think it’s closer to the
kind of blend you’d find from areas of the Midi. I will try one just because I like
the winery for their sense of humour. You can spend time on their website and
smile often.
FIRST PRESS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 1287 cases of 12 $22.95 –
Napa Cab, ok price. Not a great vintage so I don’t know why the LCBO bought so
many bottles when both the ’12 and ’13 are available. Industrial wine,
unaffected by vintage quality, I suppose.
WASHINGTON STATE
POWERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 223 cases
of 12 $22.95 The truth is I haven’t heard
of this winery before. Although it is OK to be labelled as a Cab Sauv it is
actually 88% Cab Sauv, 4 % Merlot, 4% Cab Franc, 2% Syrah and 2% Malbec. But
wait, it gets better. These grapes are sourced from 7 different vineyards.
Worth trying one if only for the wine tour of Washington State.
Big Bucks – After the last couple of months these don’t seem all that big – but the reality is you get what you pay for.
LA PIEVE BAROLO 2011 $34.95
– Not a great vintage or producer but it’s well priced for a Barolo and is a
good starting point. Give it a year or so in a cool dark place.
BAnfi Brunello
but only if it’s a 2010. After the 4th
of January this one’ll be 5 bucks off. If you can find one 2010, buy one
and lay it down for 5 years minimum.
