The December 12, 2015 release is the last of the year. As I
look back on my summaries and notes for the year, what a boring, bland one it
has been for Vintages. Ah well, we can hope for better things to come in 2016.
Two picks this week are the result of me letting my eyes
overrule my nose and palate. The pair of La Posta malbecs have terrific new
labels designed by Jose Canales. To my eye they more than do their job – they provide
an eye catching, traditional yet modern invitation to the wine. Their styling
is almost Spanish Rioja (or very old school Barolo) meets neon meets modern. If
you’re a fan of the Catena malbecs it is also worth noting that both these
wines are produced in collaboration with Laura Catena and winemaker Estella
Perinetti.
ARGENTINA
LA POSTA PIZZELLA MALBEC 2014 934 cases of 12 $16.95 – From the Pizzella
family’s vineyard in the renowned La Consulta region of the Uco valley. Given a
bit of time it’ll be a good accompaniment to any rich meal, from rare beef all
the way to a cassoulet. Drink 1-3
years.
LA POSTA ANGEL PAULUCCI VINEYARD MALBEC 2014 923 cases
of 12 $15.95 – From Angel Paulucci’s vineyard in the Ugarteche subregion of
Luyan de Cuyo. As a food pairing the producer recommends it with anything from
grilled meats to a wild boar, sage and dried cherry risotto.
SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2013 847 cases of 12 $17.95 – Any of the three
Malbecs will be good choices.
AUSTRALIA
D'ARENBERG D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2012 511 cases of 12 $19.95 – Southern Rhone blend
from Australia.
PIRRAMIMMA WHITE LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 700 cases of
12 $23.95 – Always a terrific wine from one of my favourite producers.
CHILE
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 550 cases
of 12 $17.95 – Not a bad cab for the $$’s.
FRANCE - MIDI
GÉRARD BERTRAND GRAND TERROIR PIC SAINT LOUP 2011 697 cases
of 12 $18.95 – This month’s release from the seemingly ubiquitous Mr. Bertrand presents
more of the goodness of the Midi.
TUSCANY
MAZZEI CASTELLO DI FONTERUTOLI SER LAPO RISERVA 2011 - 994 cases
of 6 $23.95 – My number 1 pick, this is a rerelease of the 2011
that we saw last April. And that is my only concern about this Ser Lapo.
Otherwise, it’s always very good. Darker and more brooding than some CCR’s but
with a few years on it this is just coming into its own. It will provide years
of pleasure. Galloni’s review says to hold it for another couple of years but my
palate says it’s ready to go right now. Last weekend’s bottle was superb and worthy
of the score.
CASTELLO DI FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 179 cases of
12 $13.95 – The bargain priced little brother to the Ser Lapo.
SPAIN
BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2013 964 cases of 12 $19.95 –
Formerly a favourite of mine but the last few bottles were, to my palate, too
oaky. This in spite of Parker’s review indicating the wine was aged in older
French oak barrels and stainless steel.
The wine was very well made but just not exactly to my taste anymore.
It’s a buy for most though.
VINA POMAL RESERVA 2010 - $21.95 – Well scored by both
Decanter and Wine Spectator, this is my Tempranillo of the month. Same price as
the W o M but a better wine I think.
RODRIGUEZ SANZO LACRIMUS CRIANZA 2011 699 cases of 12 $18.95
– Previous vintages of this Tempranillo have been terrific so let’s take a
chance.
BALBÁS CRIANZA 2011 799 cases of 12 $18.95 – Another well
priced Tempranillo that is consistently good.
USA
CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS RED BLEND 2012 335 cases
of 12 $25.95 _ The Indian Wells Cab
seems to have flown under the radar – good news for me – perhaps the same’ll
happen here.
IRONY SMALL LOT RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 2067 cases
of 12 $21.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 1115 cases of 12 $22.95
SPARKLING WINE
GIUSTI BRUT ASOLO PROSECCO 279 cases of 12 $19.95
LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'IVOIRE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS 648 cases
of 12 $19.95
CAVE DE BEBLENHEIM BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE cases of 12 548
$18.95
OYSTER BAY SPARKLING CUVÉE ROSÉ 547 cases of 6 $21.95
BIG BUCKS- being the time of year it is, the Big Bucks
choices are plentiful.
LUCA MALBEC 2012 499 cases of 6 $32.95 – A big inky wine
just made for a very rare steak. Also, this is the appropriate bottle to arm
yourself with if you’re going to get into a bar fight. To call it substantial
is an understatement.
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ 2008 480 cases
of 6 $39.95 – Lamb chops anyone? Chewy wine, decant carefully.
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2013 299 cases of 12 $34.95
LAN GRAN RESERVA 2007 360 cases of 12 $31.95
BURROWING OWL ATHENE 2012
112 cases of 12 $44.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2013 198 cases of 6 $52.95
MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2012 498 cases of 6 $59.95 – Carmine,
crimson, claret coloured, Carmenere for the LCBO alliteration fans. This is
among the best Carmeneres made. A little Petit Verdot in the blend gives it
some more licorice notes than your usual Carmenere. It’s a beaut but too many bucks.
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