If you don't own a cottage it means you're probably stuck in the city for the Labour Day weekend. The good news is all your cottage owning buddies are out of town, missing out on all the LCBO locations that the city has to offer.
This is a superior release, overall the best one in some time by our friends at the monopoly. I’ve listed my selections geographically, in order of preference for each region, not in order of preference overall. Why? Because I am completely at a loss to pick MY top 5 or even 10 from this release! It looks to be just that good.
It’s full of bargains for the short term, interesting well priced big boys for the midterm and excluding the ISD's even the top priced wines are not bank breakers but are built for the long term. The Southern Rhone 2007 focus has at the very least a half a dozen very good wines; there are three from BC that would be good picks for an East vs. West Canada Showdown and may show Ontarians what to expect from the 2009 Ontario vintage if it continues; OZ has a quartet of dandies between $16 and $24, and Italy has 5 beauties that almost get lost among the many choices available!
That’s 18 already and I haven’t mentioned the ones-y's from Argentina, Chile, NZ, SA, and a not bad Spanish duet! And I have not listed the In Store Discoveries…they’ll rate their own little epistle! Some great wines among the ISDs, but $KA-CHING$! Where’s my piggy bank?!!!?
Focus on the Southern Rhone
PERRIN & FILS PEYRE BLANCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES CAIRANNE 2007 $17.95
PROMENADE DES PRINCES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU 2007 $12.95 – just north from CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE and look at the price!
PIERRE AMADIEU ROMANE MACHOTTE GIGONDAS 2007 $22.95
LES HAUTS DE CASTELLAS VACQUEYRAS 2007 $18.95
VIGNERONS DE GIGONDAS LA FONT DES GRIÈRES GIGONDAS 2007 $21.95
LES VIGNERONS DE VISAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $12.95
GRANDES SERRES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2007 $14.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT MAURICE LES GRÈS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES LAUDUN 2007 $`14.95
RÉSERVE DES ARMOIRIES CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $12.95
CUVÉE DU COMTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 $15.95
DOMAINE DE L’ECHEVIN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGEs SAINT MAURICE 2007 $16.95
DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES VISAN 2007 $15.95
The Big $ ones from the RhoneDOMAINE DU HAUT DES TERRES BLANCHES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 $36.95
PERRIN & FILS LES SINARDS CHÂTEAUNEUF DU- PAPE 2007 $19.95 – remember this is the half bottle size!
DOMAINE DU VIEUX LAZARET CHÂTEAUNEUF DU-PAPE 2007 $32.95
Canada Okanagan
SANDHILL SMALL LOTS ONE 2007 $34.95 – I really enjoy the Sandhill wines Small Lots Bordeaux blends. I like them as well as Osoyoos Larose or Nota Bene and would match this against any Meritage blend from Ontario - bar none.
CEDAR CREEK ESTATE CABERNET/MERLOT 2007 $23.95 - Almost as good as the Sandhill at less $$$'s - worth hunting down!
SANDHILL CABERNET/MERLOT 2008 $19.95
Niagara
MALIVOIRE GUILTY MEN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95
USA
HESS ALLOMI VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 $33.95
Argentina
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2007 San Rafael, Mendoza $14.95
Chile
CHATEAU LOS BOLDOS VIEILLES VIGNES MERLOT 2007 $18.95
OZ
GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER’S RESERVE SHIRAZ 2005 $23.95
YALUMBA BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2008 $19.95
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA CUVÉE 2007 Barossa, South Australia
A Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Mundus Vini International Wine Awards.
THORN-CLARKE TERRA BAROSSA SHIRAZ 2008 - Both at $15.95
NZ
SILENI CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $15.95 – probably a better buy than Guilty Men.
SA
RUSTENBERG BRAMPTON SHIRAZ 2007 $15.95 – Well priced now.
Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU LILIAN LADOUYS 2006 $21.95
Northern Rhone
DELAS DOMAINE DES GRANDS CHEMINS CROZES-HERMITAGE 2007 $21.95 – not highlighted in the Southern Rhone part of the release, this should be a terrific syrah from the Northern Rhone.
Italy
Some fantastic wines here - the WS Top 100 #5 and #46 (at less than half the price of #5!)
BARONE RICASOLI CASTELLO DI BROLIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 $54.95
I GREPPI GREPPICANTE BOLGHERI 2007 #46 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009. $23.95
DA VINCI CHIANTI 2007 $16.95
TENIMENTI ANGELINI TRE ROSE VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2006 $21.95
MARZIANO ABBONA TERLO RAVERA BAROLO 2005 $36.95 – Good price for a Barolo – we have to get our heads around the strength of the Cdn $ versus the Euro!
Spain
BERONIA ELABORACIÓN ESPECIAL TEMPRANILLO 2008 $15.95
TORRES CELESTE 2006 DOC Ribera del Duero $19.95
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
August 21st release - take a week off and wait for Sept 04th
There’s not a lot to get me excited this release. I would wait for the next one unless you see something that really catches your tastebuds. We truly are in the dog days of summer at the LCBO!
Argentina – Red
Alamos 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95) – Always a good price for the quality that’s in the bottle.
Finca el Origen Reserva Malbec @14.95 and the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec @$19.95 are both terrific examples of Malbec, but I'm malbec'd out. Don't let that stop you though.
Argentina – White …
Accuro 2009 Torrentes ($14.95) – Bored with Chards and Sauv Blancs? Argentina’s signature white wine – try it you might like it.
Australia – Red …
Two Hands 2008 Brave Face Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro ($24.95) – Big Alcohol, but usually a terrific producer.’08 was a difficult year in Oz but I would expect dark fruits, hints of pepper on the finish and perhaps some coffee and raspberry ganache after it’s open for a while. All that said, you might be better off to try to find the Rolf Binder Halliwell 2007 Shiraz Grenache that recently went on sale at $20.20 – a better vintage and less $$’s. I tried a bottle last weekend and there was a lot going on - initial hit was currants, licorice, spice then a subtle meaty, almost sausagey taste on the back of the palate. That left with air to be replaced with vanilla, blackberries and more spices.
There are a few good Aussie entries this week, just nothing that really turned my crank.
France – the Rhone
Chateau de Beaucastel 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($84.95) – Massive, cellar worthy, make that cellar necessary!!! wine. Wait for as many years as you can – tremendous vintage – too bad it’s too expensive.
Perrin & Fils 2007 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95) – if you liked the Vinsobres, you’ll like this!
From the Midi, a couple a cheap and cheerful ones, Domaine La Paraza Minervois 2007 and the Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs CAbardes 2008 at $13.95 and $14.95 each.
The Cotes Du Rhone - Yes it's an '07, but I read Michael Pinkus's review that indicated one bottle was terrible while a second was terrific. To quote him, "look for the one with the winery name stacked on the label, not the words all in a row. Juicy and intense with lots of black fruit and licorice."
Italy
Rendola 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($36.95 - #0181412) – ’04 Brunellos under $40 – try one. If you must open, decant it.
There is a rerelease of the '06 Monte Antico - these rereleases are always buyer beware, as you may not be getting the real good stuff any longer. But, that said, this was a WS Top 100 wine and for $15, it's worth a try.
Argentina – Red
Alamos 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon ($13.95) – Always a good price for the quality that’s in the bottle.
Finca el Origen Reserva Malbec @14.95 and the Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec @$19.95 are both terrific examples of Malbec, but I'm malbec'd out. Don't let that stop you though.
Argentina – White …
Accuro 2009 Torrentes ($14.95) – Bored with Chards and Sauv Blancs? Argentina’s signature white wine – try it you might like it.
Australia – Red …
Two Hands 2008 Brave Face Shiraz/Grenache/Mataro ($24.95) – Big Alcohol, but usually a terrific producer.’08 was a difficult year in Oz but I would expect dark fruits, hints of pepper on the finish and perhaps some coffee and raspberry ganache after it’s open for a while. All that said, you might be better off to try to find the Rolf Binder Halliwell 2007 Shiraz Grenache that recently went on sale at $20.20 – a better vintage and less $$’s. I tried a bottle last weekend and there was a lot going on - initial hit was currants, licorice, spice then a subtle meaty, almost sausagey taste on the back of the palate. That left with air to be replaced with vanilla, blackberries and more spices.
There are a few good Aussie entries this week, just nothing that really turned my crank.
France – the Rhone
Chateau de Beaucastel 2007 Chateauneuf-du-Pape ($84.95) – Massive, cellar worthy, make that cellar necessary!!! wine. Wait for as many years as you can – tremendous vintage – too bad it’s too expensive.
Perrin & Fils 2007 L’Andeol Rasteau ($19.95) – if you liked the Vinsobres, you’ll like this!
From the Midi, a couple a cheap and cheerful ones, Domaine La Paraza Minervois 2007 and the Chateau Auzias Petits Messieurs CAbardes 2008 at $13.95 and $14.95 each.
The Cotes Du Rhone - Yes it's an '07, but I read Michael Pinkus's review that indicated one bottle was terrible while a second was terrific. To quote him, "look for the one with the winery name stacked on the label, not the words all in a row. Juicy and intense with lots of black fruit and licorice."
Italy
Rendola 2004 Brunello di Montalcino ($36.95 - #0181412) – ’04 Brunellos under $40 – try one. If you must open, decant it.
There is a rerelease of the '06 Monte Antico - these rereleases are always buyer beware, as you may not be getting the real good stuff any longer. But, that said, this was a WS Top 100 wine and for $15, it's worth a try.
Friday, August 6, 2010
August 06 Release - Southern Italy that should be Californian
An interesting release. Once again the LCBO Marketers have missed the mark or is that confused the marks? Based on the pricing, The Southern Italian release that they have come up with is better suited to an early January timeframe although perhaps they're aiming for the summer BBQ and dock sitters. The pinkies in this one cover that well though. Content wise, this struck me more as a California red release.
Southern Italy – bargoons abound!
Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 DOC Copertino Rosso $16.95 – Baby brother to the Apollonio that I highly praised some months back, this is worth a try.
Francesco Minini ‘Corte Dei Mori Nero d’Avola’ 2008 IGT Sicilia $13.95 – A Sicilian worth trying, especially for their signature red grape, Nero D’Avola.
Francesco Minini ‘Terre Avare’ Primitivo di Manduria 2008 DOC Primitivo di Manduria $12.95 – Zin fans, give this one a shot.
Rocca Delle Macie ‘Rubizzo’ Sangiovese Di Toscana 2008 IGT Toscana $14.95 – Just a nice simple red. Pizza, spaghetti, quaffer.
CaliforniaAs usual, the California selections all come in from $30 and up to just under $100
Kenwood ‘Jack London Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
J. Lohr ‘Hilltop Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Shafer ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Stolpman Estates Syrah 2007 – a new opportunity to try this Californian syrah. If it was from OZ it’d be a few bucks less probably, but hang the expense!
ChileConcha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008 Maipo Valley $14.95
Oz
Shingleback Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95. There are some good Shiraz in the release, this is the one I think’ll be the best.
France
Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $39.95 – I’m sure we’re starting to get near to the end of the releases of the terrific ’07 CNdPs. This’ll be a good one for the cellar or if you must drink it, decant this for a long time and try to avoid it whispering “Try me now, try me now” over and over to you!
Spain
Torres ‘San Valentín’ Garnacha 2008 DO Viñedos de España $13.95 – Cheap and Cheerful for Grenache fans.
Southern Italy – bargoons abound!
Apollonio Copertino Rosso 2004 DOC Copertino Rosso $16.95 – Baby brother to the Apollonio that I highly praised some months back, this is worth a try.
Francesco Minini ‘Corte Dei Mori Nero d’Avola’ 2008 IGT Sicilia $13.95 – A Sicilian worth trying, especially for their signature red grape, Nero D’Avola.
Francesco Minini ‘Terre Avare’ Primitivo di Manduria 2008 DOC Primitivo di Manduria $12.95 – Zin fans, give this one a shot.
Rocca Delle Macie ‘Rubizzo’ Sangiovese Di Toscana 2008 IGT Toscana $14.95 – Just a nice simple red. Pizza, spaghetti, quaffer.
CaliforniaAs usual, the California selections all come in from $30 and up to just under $100
Kenwood ‘Jack London Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
J. Lohr ‘Hilltop Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Shafer ‘One Point Five’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Stolpman Estates Syrah 2007 – a new opportunity to try this Californian syrah. If it was from OZ it’d be a few bucks less probably, but hang the expense!
ChileConcha Y Toro ‘Trio Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon/ Shiraz/Cabernet Franc 2008 Maipo Valley $14.95
Oz
Shingleback Shiraz 2007 McLaren Vale, South Australia $23.95. There are some good Shiraz in the release, this is the one I think’ll be the best.
France
Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2007
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape $39.95 – I’m sure we’re starting to get near to the end of the releases of the terrific ’07 CNdPs. This’ll be a good one for the cellar or if you must drink it, decant this for a long time and try to avoid it whispering “Try me now, try me now” over and over to you!
Spain
Torres ‘San Valentín’ Garnacha 2008 DO Viñedos de España $13.95 – Cheap and Cheerful for Grenache fans.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Back from BC, too late to preview the July 24th release!
Back from BC
Ahhh the return from the annual pilgrimage to the west coast left us longing for no humidity, sunny warm days and a 2009 Pinot Grigio ( No eye rolling please!) from a delightful Vancouver Island Winery called Averill Creek. This was the first release from what was a terrific 2009 season on the Island last year and it is a super cool climate wine.
The winery is just north of Duncan and has a terrific view down the east cost of the island, overlooking part of Saltspring and down into the Saanich Inlet. They have a picnic license which means you can bring your food and they’ll provide their wines for you to enjoy with it while you soak up that west coast view!
Highlights – too many pink wines to mention, Averill Creek, N’Kmip’s Meritage, the expression of my brother’s face when he bought a 5 litre bottle of 2006 Pinot Noir from Alderlea and the joy on my Mom’s face looking down on the view and flowers at Averill Creek.
Lowlights – The BCLDB makes Ontario’s LCBO seem almost philanthropic with some of their prices and the few private stores do not seem to have had a huge impact on variety nor prices. Small price to pay to live in heaven on earth I suppose!
All this said, I missed a release and while I thought about giving my picks, it seemed anticlimactic and some were picked by a number of well respected wine journalists, so maybe I’ll just give you their top choices. Gord Stimmell liked the Pirramimma Cab Sauv, the Genesis Merlot from Hogue in Washington St. and the Walk on the Wild Side Shiraz. I’m not sure I’d have picked that one, but the Hogue will be similar to the Columbia Crest merlot that used to be a Vintages essential.
From the South of France, Beppi Crossariol in the Globe liked the two from Perrin ( but if you buy the Coudulet de Beaucastel, let this breathe for a long time – it’s close to Chateauneuf in price and style, the Vinsobres is more ready to drink immediately and a past pick), Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires Macération 2007, and the Domaine des Aures Hautes Minervois La Livinière 2007 among others.
Happy Hunting!
Ahhh the return from the annual pilgrimage to the west coast left us longing for no humidity, sunny warm days and a 2009 Pinot Grigio ( No eye rolling please!) from a delightful Vancouver Island Winery called Averill Creek. This was the first release from what was a terrific 2009 season on the Island last year and it is a super cool climate wine.
The winery is just north of Duncan and has a terrific view down the east cost of the island, overlooking part of Saltspring and down into the Saanich Inlet. They have a picnic license which means you can bring your food and they’ll provide their wines for you to enjoy with it while you soak up that west coast view!
Highlights – too many pink wines to mention, Averill Creek, N’Kmip’s Meritage, the expression of my brother’s face when he bought a 5 litre bottle of 2006 Pinot Noir from Alderlea and the joy on my Mom’s face looking down on the view and flowers at Averill Creek.
Lowlights – The BCLDB makes Ontario’s LCBO seem almost philanthropic with some of their prices and the few private stores do not seem to have had a huge impact on variety nor prices. Small price to pay to live in heaven on earth I suppose!
All this said, I missed a release and while I thought about giving my picks, it seemed anticlimactic and some were picked by a number of well respected wine journalists, so maybe I’ll just give you their top choices. Gord Stimmell liked the Pirramimma Cab Sauv, the Genesis Merlot from Hogue in Washington St. and the Walk on the Wild Side Shiraz. I’m not sure I’d have picked that one, but the Hogue will be similar to the Columbia Crest merlot that used to be a Vintages essential.
From the South of France, Beppi Crossariol in the Globe liked the two from Perrin ( but if you buy the Coudulet de Beaucastel, let this breathe for a long time – it’s close to Chateauneuf in price and style, the Vinsobres is more ready to drink immediately and a past pick), Cave de Roquebrun Roches Noires Macération 2007, and the Domaine des Aures Hautes Minervois La Livinière 2007 among others.
Happy Hunting!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Vintages July 10th release
The July 10th release has a few goodies but nothing to induce self flagellation if you miss it! A couple of whites from New Zealand should be very good followed by a number of very reasonably priced reds from around the globe. Enjoy!
KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS 2009 $19.95 Always terrific.
ASTROLABE VOYAGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95 Fresh, crisp, more fruit than some of the grassier SB’s from New Zealand. I think the points in the review are too high, but it’ll be terrific with anything that swims.
LA BASTIDE SAINT VINCENT PAVANE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $21.95 AC My pick of the release. Score: 91 (Josh Raynolds)
BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2005 DOCa Rioja, Spain $15.95 A food pairing wonder that is a very good value too - that pretty much says it all. A Wine & Spirits“Best Buy of 2009,” 90 points
SANTA EMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $14.95 Maipo Valley – Reads like a typical Maipo profile and should be very good for a year or so. James Molesworth’s palate matches up with mine pretty well but he tried this a year and a half ago : 90 (James Molesworth )
ALAMOS MALBEC 2008 $13.95 Grill me something, quick!
IGNACIO MARIN VIÑA ANGELA GRAN RESERVA 2001 $19.95 Try this one with a Las Rocas to see how the latter might age. Remember this has almost 9 years on it, so you won’t be buying for the long term but it should be nice for a bottle or two.
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2008 $14.95 A good buy for Grenache lovers. Might not be quite up to last year’s Full bodied, textured with gorgeous aromas of kirsch,raspberry, pepper and licorice..” Wine Advocate, 88 points
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2008, $13.95 Perennially a Parker fave, should be good for the price.
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E-MINOR SHIRAZ 2008 $17.95 Baby brother to Black Pepper and Ebeneezer, if you like that big Barossa fruit bomb style this is a terrific buy.
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 $15.00 Great vintage, terrific value
3 beaujolais – for you fans
GEORGES DUBOEUF LA TRINQUÉE JULIÉNAS 2008 AC Score: 90 (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2009) $16.95
JEAN-PAUL BRUN TERRES DORÉES MOULIN-À-VENT 2008 AC $19.95
LOUIS JADOT CHÂTEAU DES LUMIÈRES MORGON 2007 $22.95
KIM CRAWFORD PINOT GRIS 2009 $19.95 Always terrific.
ASTROLABE VOYAGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 $19.95 Fresh, crisp, more fruit than some of the grassier SB’s from New Zealand. I think the points in the review are too high, but it’ll be terrific with anything that swims.
LA BASTIDE SAINT VINCENT PAVANE VACQUEYRAS 2007 $21.95 AC My pick of the release. Score: 91 (Josh Raynolds)
BODEGAS LAN CRIANZA 2005 DOCa Rioja, Spain $15.95 A food pairing wonder that is a very good value too - that pretty much says it all. A Wine & Spirits“Best Buy of 2009,” 90 points
SANTA EMA RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 $14.95 Maipo Valley – Reads like a typical Maipo profile and should be very good for a year or so. James Molesworth’s palate matches up with mine pretty well but he tried this a year and a half ago : 90 (James Molesworth )
ALAMOS MALBEC 2008 $13.95 Grill me something, quick!
IGNACIO MARIN VIÑA ANGELA GRAN RESERVA 2001 $19.95 Try this one with a Las Rocas to see how the latter might age. Remember this has almost 9 years on it, so you won’t be buying for the long term but it should be nice for a bottle or two.
LAS ROCAS GARNACHA 2008 $14.95 A good buy for Grenache lovers. Might not be quite up to last year’s Full bodied, textured with gorgeous aromas of kirsch,raspberry, pepper and licorice..” Wine Advocate, 88 points
CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ TERRASSES 2008, $13.95 Perennially a Parker fave, should be good for the price.
BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E-MINOR SHIRAZ 2008 $17.95 Baby brother to Black Pepper and Ebeneezer, if you like that big Barossa fruit bomb style this is a terrific buy.
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI RISERVA 2006 $15.00 Great vintage, terrific value
3 beaujolais – for you fans
GEORGES DUBOEUF LA TRINQUÉE JULIÉNAS 2008 AC Score: 90 (David Schildknecht, www.erobertparker.com, Aug. 2009) $16.95
JEAN-PAUL BRUN TERRES DORÉES MOULIN-À-VENT 2008 AC $19.95
LOUIS JADOT CHÂTEAU DES LUMIÈRES MORGON 2007 $22.95
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 26 Vintages release - Some OK wines
Nothing spectacular, an 'if you miss it, you miss it' kind of release. But there are some pretty decent buys available.
2007 Te Kairanga Martinborough Chardonnay - $16.95 : TizWine 5 stars & Best Buy & Top Pick . A New Zealand pick that is not a Sauvignon Blanc!
2009 – Mulderbosch Cabernet Rose. Annually, one of my favourite roses.
2007 Le Gravillas Gigondas – a Gigondas for $23? Worth picking up a few, especially the ’07 vintage!
2008 M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Cotes de Roussillon Village - $15.00 : #75 on the WS Top 100 of 2009 but last year’s, which was a better vintage, was uninspiring at a few dollars more. I’ll try a few at that price though.
2007 Clos La Coutale AC Cahors - $13.95 : #76 on the WS Top 100 of 2009. Looking forward to a ‘2001 Lagrezette’ for a few bucks less. Will we get that or a harsh, grippy imposter? Again, the price is right to try a few.
2008 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz - $18.95 JH95; James Holliday scores tend to be inflated but even at 90 instead of his 95, this’ll be a good buy.
2008 Marquis Philips McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95 : RP90 – Expect a massive fruit bomb here.
2005 Jazz Wines The Shiraz - $18.95
2007 Tabali Especial Reserva – The up and coming Limari Valley I think – this blend of Syrah, cab, merlot, this should be very good. Creeping up to the $22 mark makes it a tough sell, but you will get what you pay for here.
2004 Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino - $34.95 : WS90; A Brunello for under $35? Have to buy one or two for the cellar.
2005 Ardal Crianza – W.o.M. so there’ll be lots. Spanish fans will like this one. Me? Not so much.
Vinoptima Estate Ormand Reserve Gerwurtztraminer - $54.95 : An In store Discovery, so very limited, but Parker gave this age worthy white a 94, Rod Phillips a 5* . Not for every palate nor wallet.
What am I chasing down? Some Gigondas, some Lionheart, the two Top 100’s, some Mulderbosch rose.
2007 Te Kairanga Martinborough Chardonnay - $16.95 : TizWine 5 stars & Best Buy & Top Pick . A New Zealand pick that is not a Sauvignon Blanc!
2009 – Mulderbosch Cabernet Rose. Annually, one of my favourite roses.
2007 Le Gravillas Gigondas – a Gigondas for $23? Worth picking up a few, especially the ’07 vintage!
2008 M. Chapoutier Bila-Haut Cotes de Roussillon Village - $15.00 : #75 on the WS Top 100 of 2009 but last year’s, which was a better vintage, was uninspiring at a few dollars more. I’ll try a few at that price though.
2007 Clos La Coutale AC Cahors - $13.95 : #76 on the WS Top 100 of 2009. Looking forward to a ‘2001 Lagrezette’ for a few bucks less. Will we get that or a harsh, grippy imposter? Again, the price is right to try a few.
2008 Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz - $18.95 JH95; James Holliday scores tend to be inflated but even at 90 instead of his 95, this’ll be a good buy.
2008 Marquis Philips McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95 : RP90 – Expect a massive fruit bomb here.
2005 Jazz Wines The Shiraz - $18.95
2007 Tabali Especial Reserva – The up and coming Limari Valley I think – this blend of Syrah, cab, merlot, this should be very good. Creeping up to the $22 mark makes it a tough sell, but you will get what you pay for here.
2004 Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino - $34.95 : WS90; A Brunello for under $35? Have to buy one or two for the cellar.
2005 Ardal Crianza – W.o.M. so there’ll be lots. Spanish fans will like this one. Me? Not so much.
Vinoptima Estate Ormand Reserve Gerwurtztraminer - $54.95 : An In store Discovery, so very limited, but Parker gave this age worthy white a 94, Rod Phillips a 5* . Not for every palate nor wallet.
What am I chasing down? Some Gigondas, some Lionheart, the two Top 100’s, some Mulderbosch rose.
Monday, June 7, 2010
The June 12th release? Skip South Africa but take care of Dad!
First glance at the release and it is South Africa versus Dad’s Day competing for your wine buying dollar. It appears that Dad came out the winner. The South African release looks like the photos were of a bunch of beautiful people at a local Ontario BarBQ, uh sorry, a local ‘braai, rhymes with try’. All those travel savings should have gone into better wines. It does not appear they did. In comparison, last year’s South Africa release seemed far better in quality.
Dad, meantime is doing OK. Especially ‘easy going Dad’ – hint, hint! …Too subtle?
However, the real winners of the release are from the Southern Rhone (again) and Italy (again)!
My faves? I’m going a little upscale this time around:
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE
DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007
PICCINI VILLA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003
My picks as the sleepers of the release:
Montgras ANTU NINQUÉN cab/carm, the Vacqueyras, and the Bogle Cab, all under $20
What to expect and the best of the rest….
Canada – Rosé Wine Ontario TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA ROSÉ 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula A nice dry Canuck rose, well priced –$14.95
Chile
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE 2006 The Terrunyo series of wines are uniformly excellent. The Cab is always one of my must buys.The ’06 Carmenere was ranked #63 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009, receiving a score of 92 points and was scored higher by others.
Well made Carmenere is like a well made Malbec – superb when it’s right…not so much when it’s not. Worth every penny. $29.95
MONTGRAS ANTU NINQUÉN CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 Colchagua Valley TASTING NOTE: Two years ago, I had the MONTGRAS ANTU NINQUÉN Syrah and it was spectacularly good. Last year, not so much – overoaked and over extracted. I’m not sure what to expect with the cab blend here but I’ll try one to see. Jay Miller liked it but Jay’s palate doesn’t always match mine. Score: 90+(Jay Miller,) $15.95
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2008 Maipo Valley Worth a try perhaps. $16.95
California
It’s not often that you see two reviews from the same reviewer side by side on the same page, one at 90 points, the second at 92. Especially when one wine is $17.95 and the second is $74.95! Buy lots of the Bogle and if it is as good as the review, keep it. If it’s not, just take it back.
As for the Phelps, it’s excellence in the bottle, but is it worth two of the CndP’s?
New Zealand – a White
DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 Marlborough, Love the Dog Point S.B. – always great, probably not a 94 but really good. Score: 94 (Bob Campbell, MW,) $19.95
And a Rosé Wine
KIM CRAWFORD PANSY! ROSÉ 2009 A little pricey for a Rosé but last year’s was quite nice to accompany poolside snacking $17.95
France Midi
VILLA DES ANGES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Vins de Pays d’Oc(Jacqueline Menard de Ginestous) Not familiar with the producer but that’s a heck of a review and well scored at $12.95. Score: 89 (David Schildknecht,)
France Rhône
DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 Parker loved it and the ’07s from the Rhone have been uniformly superb. I’d expect no less from this one and it is well priced for a CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE @ $34.95
DOMAINE DU SÉMINAIRE PRESTIGE VALRÉAS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES
2007 AC If you’ve gone thu your Cores du Rhones, it might be time to pick up a few more here – the price is right. From the 2007 harvest, but label printed without the vintage. Drink now. Score: 89 (James Molesworth,) $14.95
LES PILIERS SYRAH 2007 AC Costières de Nîmes(M. Gassier, Vign.-Élev.) Fig and licorice aromas and flavors, backed by dark currant paste, tar and spice notes. Long and fleshy through the polished finish. For the hedonist crowd. Drink now through 2010. Score: 90 (James Molesworth,) $14.95
MAISON ARNOUX & FILS VIEUX CLOCHER JEAN-MARIE ARNOUX VACQUEYRAS 2007 Not often that I don't include a Vacqueyras in my picks but there are so many good wines this time around...Vintages quotes Josh Reynolds as describing this wine as, among other things “Complex… suave and pliant in the mouth…, with a velvety texture…. and very good persistence. This sexy wine offers …”. OK, so did he drink it or take it home to meet his parents? Score: 91 $18.95
Hungary – White Wine
ROYAL TOKAJI TOKAJI ASZÚ BLUE LABEL 5 PUTTONYOS 2005 In 2009, this was ranked #44 on Wine Spectator’s prestigious Top 100 list. Great price for a terrific dessert wine. Get it fast! $19.95
Italy – Red Wine
LIBRANDI DUCA SAN FELICE RISERVA ROSSO 2007 DOC Cirò Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2010 gave this wine three glasses (their highest rating) – a remarkable achievement, especially for such a modestly priced wine. Made with the indigenous Gaglioppo grape. $16.95
PAOLO CONTERNO BAROLO 2005 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Barolo is a nice wine and best of all, well priced for a Barolo! Better with food than alone. Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni,) $37.95
CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Plum and Indian spices, with a floral bouquet. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a rich finish. Balanced. From a terrific vintage. Best after 2010. Score: 90 (James Suckling) $26.95
PICCINI VILLA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG TASTING NOTE: $35 bucks for a Brunello? Sounds good to me! $34.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE TENUTA SANT’ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG Another ’06 Chianti Classico at a very good price $21.95
Portugal – 2 White Wines
ALVARINHO DEU LA DEU VINHO VERDE 2008 DOC … finesse in the mouth, with very delicate acidity; well-structured, classy finish . $18.95
MUROS ANTIGOS ESCOLHA VINHO VERDE 2009 DOC Try one with shellfish or grilled salmon steaks. At $11.95, if you like it back up the truck, if not, what have you lost?!
Dad, meantime is doing OK. Especially ‘easy going Dad’ – hint, hint! …Too subtle?
However, the real winners of the release are from the Southern Rhone (again) and Italy (again)!
My faves? I’m going a little upscale this time around:
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE
DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007
PICCINI VILLA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003
My picks as the sleepers of the release:
Montgras ANTU NINQUÉN cab/carm, the Vacqueyras, and the Bogle Cab, all under $20
What to expect and the best of the rest….
Canada – Rosé Wine Ontario TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA ROSÉ 2009 VQA Niagara Peninsula A nice dry Canuck rose, well priced –$14.95
Chile
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO BLOCK 27 CARMENÈRE 2006 The Terrunyo series of wines are uniformly excellent. The Cab is always one of my must buys.The ’06 Carmenere was ranked #63 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2009, receiving a score of 92 points and was scored higher by others.
Well made Carmenere is like a well made Malbec – superb when it’s right…not so much when it’s not. Worth every penny. $29.95
MONTGRAS ANTU NINQUÉN CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2007 Colchagua Valley TASTING NOTE: Two years ago, I had the MONTGRAS ANTU NINQUÉN Syrah and it was spectacularly good. Last year, not so much – overoaked and over extracted. I’m not sure what to expect with the cab blend here but I’ll try one to see. Jay Miller liked it but Jay’s palate doesn’t always match mine. Score: 90+(Jay Miller,) $15.95
VIÑA TARAPACÁ GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2008 Maipo Valley Worth a try perhaps. $16.95
California
It’s not often that you see two reviews from the same reviewer side by side on the same page, one at 90 points, the second at 92. Especially when one wine is $17.95 and the second is $74.95! Buy lots of the Bogle and if it is as good as the review, keep it. If it’s not, just take it back.
As for the Phelps, it’s excellence in the bottle, but is it worth two of the CndP’s?
New Zealand – a White
DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009 Marlborough, Love the Dog Point S.B. – always great, probably not a 94 but really good. Score: 94 (Bob Campbell, MW,) $19.95
And a Rosé Wine
KIM CRAWFORD PANSY! ROSÉ 2009 A little pricey for a Rosé but last year’s was quite nice to accompany poolside snacking $17.95
France Midi
VILLA DES ANGES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Vins de Pays d’Oc(Jacqueline Menard de Ginestous) Not familiar with the producer but that’s a heck of a review and well scored at $12.95. Score: 89 (David Schildknecht,)
France Rhône
DOMAINE DE SAINT SIFFREIN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 Parker loved it and the ’07s from the Rhone have been uniformly superb. I’d expect no less from this one and it is well priced for a CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE @ $34.95
DOMAINE DU SÉMINAIRE PRESTIGE VALRÉAS CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES
2007 AC If you’ve gone thu your Cores du Rhones, it might be time to pick up a few more here – the price is right. From the 2007 harvest, but label printed without the vintage. Drink now. Score: 89 (James Molesworth,) $14.95
LES PILIERS SYRAH 2007 AC Costières de Nîmes(M. Gassier, Vign.-Élev.) Fig and licorice aromas and flavors, backed by dark currant paste, tar and spice notes. Long and fleshy through the polished finish. For the hedonist crowd. Drink now through 2010. Score: 90 (James Molesworth,) $14.95
MAISON ARNOUX & FILS VIEUX CLOCHER JEAN-MARIE ARNOUX VACQUEYRAS 2007 Not often that I don't include a Vacqueyras in my picks but there are so many good wines this time around...Vintages quotes Josh Reynolds as describing this wine as, among other things “Complex… suave and pliant in the mouth…, with a velvety texture…. and very good persistence. This sexy wine offers …”. OK, so did he drink it or take it home to meet his parents? Score: 91 $18.95
Hungary – White Wine
ROYAL TOKAJI TOKAJI ASZÚ BLUE LABEL 5 PUTTONYOS 2005 In 2009, this was ranked #44 on Wine Spectator’s prestigious Top 100 list. Great price for a terrific dessert wine. Get it fast! $19.95
Italy – Red Wine
LIBRANDI DUCA SAN FELICE RISERVA ROSSO 2007 DOC Cirò Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2010 gave this wine three glasses (their highest rating) – a remarkable achievement, especially for such a modestly priced wine. Made with the indigenous Gaglioppo grape. $16.95
PAOLO CONTERNO BAROLO 2005 DOCG TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Barolo is a nice wine and best of all, well priced for a Barolo! Better with food than alone. Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni,) $37.95
CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Plum and Indian spices, with a floral bouquet. Medium- to full-bodied, with soft, silky tannins and a rich finish. Balanced. From a terrific vintage. Best after 2010. Score: 90 (James Suckling) $26.95
PICCINI VILLA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG TASTING NOTE: $35 bucks for a Brunello? Sounds good to me! $34.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE TENUTA SANT’ALFONSO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG Another ’06 Chianti Classico at a very good price $21.95
Portugal – 2 White Wines
ALVARINHO DEU LA DEU VINHO VERDE 2008 DOC … finesse in the mouth, with very delicate acidity; well-structured, classy finish . $18.95
MUROS ANTIGOS ESCOLHA VINHO VERDE 2009 DOC Try one with shellfish or grilled salmon steaks. At $11.95, if you like it back up the truck, if not, what have you lost?!
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