Well, here we are the final Vintages release of the year and
to say the year has been ho hum would be overly complimentary to the year I
think. The combination of mediocre
vintages in parts of the world combined with the reduction of the global value
of the Canadian dollar has meant we’ve seen fewer exciting wines often at massive
jumps in price. In the case of California, two or three stellar vintages in a
row all came at a time when the Canuck buck was at its worst. Woe is us. Ah
well, one more reason to drink I suppose. Below are my final picks from the
final release of the year 2016.
Whites and Bubblies
Pierre Luc Bouchard Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie - $14.95 – one of the
few real bargains in the release, this will please any and all white wine fans
during the holidays.
Louis Moreau Chablis 2015 - $21.95 – Well priced for a
pretty good quality Chablis.
Dirty Laundry Chardonnay 2014-$19.95- Should be almost
burgundian in style.
REDS
Schola Sarmenti Nerio Reserva 2012 - $21.95 – Malvasia Nera
and Negroamaro are blended to make an almost black wine that has a lot going on. Ageworthy but can be
enjoyed now as well.
Castellani Filicheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012 -
$18.95 – Try one to see how you like it. I expect an intense looooong finish on
this one. Give it time in the glass or decant.
Castelli del Grevepesa Clemente VII Chianti Classico Reserva
2011-21.95 – Well scored by Bruce Sanderson of the Wine Spectator, this’ll be a
nice food wine as well as an interesting comparison with the CCR’s in the
previous release.
A trio of sub $20 Spaniards make the list this week. (See I’m
already showing signs of restraint here) – The Rioja Vega Crianza 2012
($16.95), The Burgo Viejo Crianza 2012 ($15.95) and the Ardal Crianza 2010
($19.95) should all be very nice quaffers with any holiday meal.
If Spain is not in your wheelhouse, try the Triptych Blend
from South Africa. It’s always pleasing
at $16.95.
Getting bigger still, there are 4 Australians that merit
attention. All come in just under or around the $20 mark. Among them is the
terribly named Baron von Nemesis from Zonte’s Footsteps which has steadily
risen in price but is well made; the Dandelion Vineyards 2014 Lionheart of the
Barossa; the Thorn Clarke Shotfire
Quartage blend from 2014; and the Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2014. The latter is festooned with
enough medals to pass as a South American general, but don’t hold that against
it.
If you’re looking for a good Cabernet from the U.S., try
either the Chateau Ste. Michelle from Washington St. @$21.95 or spend a few
bucks more and go upscale for the St. Francis Cab ($29.95) from Sonoma. Both
will be nice with something rare and red on a plate.
Big Bucks
The theme running thru the big buck choices this week seems
to be price inflation. Some of these wines are increasing in price faster than
the Vancouver and Toronto real estate markets.
Paul Hobbs Cross Barn Cab Sauv 2013 - $69.95. The August
2013 release of this wine was priced at $38.95. Think about that.
Francis Ford Coppola Director’s Cut Cab Sauv 2014 - $44.95.
One of my favourites from Sonoma, but it has jumped about $10 so I’m trying to
find alternatives (see the St. Francis above).
Trapiche Terrior Single Vineyard Finca Ambrosia Malbec 2011
- $39.95 – Among the better big malbecs, Trapiche produces usually 3 of these
each year to highlight their superior vineyard managers. It’s quite an honour
to be named.
E.Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape 2010 - $63.95 – Spectacular vintage
in the Rhone and this one should be very well made. Ready to begin to be
consumed now but great for at least another dozen years as well.
Domus Vitae Brunello di Montalcino 2007 - $63.95 – Best recent
vintage prior to 2010 and right where you want it if you’re looking for a
Christmas gift to drink this year (or over the next 10).
