My first batch of Tasting Notes

Tasting notes from a very enjoyable supper among friends. As well, our host did a great job of lining up the wines so they didn’t step on one another’s toes too much. Remember, these are BP’s notes and may bear little or no resemblance to those of a civilized person. The name and vintage of each wine is followed by a thought that describes the wine (to me) but may also more accurately describe where my head was at while tasting drinking these great wines.  

Delaine Vineyard 2007 Chardonnay – Brighton, Ontario Apple Fest - Superior example of an Ontario Chard. Nice bright colour, opens fresh, crisp and apple-y on the nose and palate, clean pure flavours. Nice wine from a terrific vintage.

Grilli de Testamatta 2006 –1992 Bjorn Daehlie meets 1960 Marcello Mastroianni – Powerful, longlasting, but at the same time subtle and suave! This is a wonderful, smooth, opaque wine made to be enjoyed. It glides across the palate. Hint of oak apparent but nicely integrated at this time. Fuller and more viscous than many Sangiovese – maybe due to the Caniolo / Colorino combo in the blend – this shows the best of a great Tuscan vintage and is so long on the palate.

Franciscan Stylus 2005 – Darryl Hall – but not from the big hair days, from the ‘Live from Darryl’s Place’ days. (Google it and Pick your favourite song)  - A little full of itself and doesn’t care who knows it! Great California nose with hints of cocoa, cedar and fruit. On the palate, drying tannins are prevalent but not overwhelming. Less fruit driven on the palate than I expected, I was expecting currants galore, but still plenty of subtle dark fruit and cocoa dust.

Thorn Clarke William Randell 2005 – Fleetwood Mac - Rumours - Smooth and in perfect harmony. Barossa in a glass. Big, well integrated oak, fruit on fruit, both nose and palate-wise. Kirsch, caramel notes maybe? Quite a prelude to the next wine.

Mollydooker The Boxer 2008 – Hmmm, conficting thoughts here. Was this “AC/DC on the stereo while watching Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior ” or was that Robitussen in my reidel stemware? This is way over the top in a ‘once a year and it makes me smile’ kinda way.  Actually thought it was better with the spicy ribs than alone but unlike all the other wines, I could not make a habit of this wine. That said, it was enough to make me want to try to find another of the Mollydooker wines the next time I’m in B.C. - in spite of B.C.’s crazily elevated wine prices.

Chateau Reynella Basket Press Shiraz 2004 – Russell Crowe. Normally with Chateau Reynella, I’d say Russell Crowe in Gladiator. But to describe this one following the MollyDooker, I have to say Russell Crowe in A Beautiful Mind. It seemed understated after the Boxer. That is really saying something because this wine has never been accused of being that!  Another terrific big wine from the McLaren Vale. Gobs of dark fruit and hints of nori or olive tapenade. Some sort of salty note anyway.

Robert Mondavi Reserve 2000 – Cary Grant. This wine says “relax on the sofa with the headphones on listening to Nat King Cole on a drizzly November day  while a great big prime rib roasts in the oven and fills the house with glorious aromas”. But as it was and where it was in the lineup, imagine Cary Grant coming to dinner with a crowd of Aussie rules football players.  He’d still be Cary Grant but some of his subtleties might get overlooked. Leather, plums becoming prunes, and fine, almost imperceptible tannins at this point. A very, very nice mature Cab.

We closed the night with a very good older vintage ice wine. Name and vintage escape me. It started with notes of raisins, raisin pie to me, then morphed into apples baked with raisins, a cinnamon stick, brown sugar and maple syrup – ooops and pecans or walnuts. And yes I really did smell all that and taste it too.

Terrific Zinfandel Festival Ad

This seems to be getting plenty of play in the blogoshere and if you like the Old Spice ads, you'll like this. In spite of it being a wee bit faulty vino-geographically ( I'm not sure any primitivo is grown in Tuscany) it shows you don't have to take your wine too seriously.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R3EnZdhYok

February 19th - This could be a very expensive Cab ride!

Nothing in this release or at least nothing in this release that I can afford makes me say “I have to have that!” The Cab Feature does have a couple of spectacular wines but I'm sad to say that pricewise the ones that merit that adjective have grown through my informal, periodically ignored but most times followed, price ceiling. However, these wines do present an interesting example of ‘perspective’. For instance, it's not that many vintages ago that I recall debating the merits of buying the Don Melchor with it priced in the low $40’s! Since then The Donald has gained about 70% in price while many of its very good siblings have increased no more than 15-20%. As a result, when compared from a QPR perspective to others in the Concha y Toro portfolio, the Don Melchor doesn’t seem to be a great buy. However, when compared from the same perspective to many Cali Cabs it’s a screaming bargain! And in case you wondered, Yes I am trying very hard to talk myself in to a bottle or two!

My Picks:
Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet
Jackson Triggs Shiraz
And the Abbona Papa Celso (or either the Wakefield Shiraz or the Nashwauk Shiraz.)
“Hey, who put that Don Melchor in my shopping basket?”

Cab feature – these are the ones that I think represent the best value
USA
COLUMBIA CREST H3 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard, Score: 90 (Harvey Steiman) The brother to the H3 Merlot in the last release. Washington style Cabernet - Verrrrrry nice. $19.95.
Italy
MARCHESI DE’ FRESCOBALDI TENUTA DI CASTIGLIONI 2008 $21.95 – Consistently very good, this one may not quite measure up to the ’07. Somewhat tannic so decant for a while and serve with something red on a plate.
OZ
KATNOOK ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006. Coonawarra Cabernet, I’ve never had a bad bottle of this wine. Big black fruits and hints of minty eucalyptus make it a natural for lamb. Score: 93 (James Halliday) $29.95
Chile
ARBOLEDA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 $17.95 – on price alone, but there is a better Chilean cab in the next release so wait for it

The release
Canada
JACKSON-TRIGGS OKANAGAN ESTATE PROPRIETORS’ GRAND RESERVE SHIRAZ 2006 Score: 92 (Tony Aspler) - Not quite the JT Sun Rock Vineyard Shiraz (if you ever have a chance at that one, buy it!!!!) but almost as good for much less at $24.95! Blind taste this one against your favourite 2007 Ontario Shiraz!
Argentina
LUIGI BOSCA RESERVA MALBEC 2008 $17.95 – Malbecellence - I should be in marketing - at a great price! I know it’s still February but Fire up the BBQ and throw on a steak!
OZ
WAKEFIELD ESTATE SHIRAZ 2008 This wine was named one of the Top 100 Wines at the 2010 Sydney International Wine Competition (www.top100wines.com). Made with Clare Valley fruit so if you like Bin 61 or the Lodge Hill, this might be for you. Far fewer bucks too! $17.95
Nashwauk Shiraz 2007 - The second release (methinks) of this new Kaesler undertaking has a real Canadian Connection. The name means "between the waters" in Algonquin and was also the name of a cargo ship made in Nova Scotia. The ship sank just off the coast of Australia in the Gulf of St. Vincent not far from these vineyards. The vineyards themselves share many of the same soil traits as Coriole and Chapel hill, so if you are a fan of those wines, or the Fleurieu Peninsula/ McLaren Vale in general, you may enjoy this well priced offering.$19.95
South Africa
CATHEDRAL CELLAR TRIPTYCH 2007 $16.95 – Very, very good quality, very well priced.
France Rhone
CHÂTEAU GOUDRAY CUVÉE EXCELLENCE RASTEAU 2009 AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages Gold Medal winner at the Concours des Vins Orange 2010. $15.95
CHÂTEAU MOURGUES DU GRÈS LES GALETS ROUGES 2009 AC Costières de Nîmes $14.95
LES GRANDES SERRES LA COMBE DES MARCHANDS GIGONDAS 2009 $26.95 – It appears the LCBO may be jumping over a weak 2008 Rhone vintage and into the ’09 vintage. This is one for the mid to longer term, so feel free to let it rest.
Italy
ABBONA PAPÀ CELSO 2008 - A Dolcetto from the Piedmont region – I don’t expect a Barolo but I do expect to be pleased. I’m looking forward to deep purple colour, heavily scented, and powerful on the palate. It reads like an Australian! Score: 3 Glasses (out of 3) (Gambero Rosso) $19.95
ABBAZIA BAROLO 2005 $28.95

Big Buck wines in order of preference and if $$’s were no object!

CONCHA Y TORO DON MELCHOR CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Score: 95 (Jay Miller) $69.95 – This is a great wine but I wait for the Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Cab each year. At less than half the price it’s almost as good.
SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr) $79.95 – In a word – spectacular!
ZENATO AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2006 This wine ranked #36 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2010. Highly recommended by James Suckling . Score: 94 - 375 mL $24.95; 750 mL $47.95
CHÂTEAU FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 $34.95 – Scoop a few 07s while you can.
NAPANOOK – worth a look always.
PININO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005 OK review for an OK priced Brunello. Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni) $33.95

Feb. 05 Release - Not a good release for you if you can't make up your mind

My Picks? There are 9 from all over the map and I’ll change my mind to add or replace a few a number of times between now and the release. There are at least 5 more that are equally worthy of your consideration!

TESTAMATTA GRILLI DEL TESTAMATTA 2007
COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT 2007
PIRRAMIMMA SHIRAZ 2006
LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007
BRANCAIA TRE 2007
LANGA CENTENARIA GARNACHA 2006
ABBONA LA PIEVE BAROLO 2005
DIEGO CONTERNO BALUMA NEBBIOLO D’ALBA 2008
THE GAME RESERVE
And another from Washington St. or some from the Southern Rhone, more from Spain…see? Can’t decide already!

TUSCANY FEATURE – 2007 was a terrific vintage!

LE CINCIOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 A layered and pretty wine, with berry and cherry character. Full-bodied, yet reserved and balanced. Best from 2011 through 2016. Score: 91 $19.95

TESTAMATTA GRILLI DEL TESTAMATTA 2007 from Bibi Graetz - One of my picks of the release. Should be terrific but not a huge number of cases and those in the know will be chasing this one down. Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Colorino. Best after 2011. Score: 91 (James Suckling) A little upscale at$32.95

BRANCAIA TRE 2007 No. 10 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2009, scoring 93 points. The previous LCBO release of the ’07 was somewhat muted and thin. Is this more of that or is this what the WS had? Limited number of cases. Be ready to arm wrestle for it regardless. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Score: 90 (Antonio Galloni) $24.95

ISOLE E OLENA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 Galloni says Readers who enjoy the Burgundian side of Sangiovese will flip out over this wine but I always found the Nebiollos more Burgundian… something for you pinotphiles to watch for I suppose. Score: 90 Antonio Galloni $26.95

LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2007 This wine won a Gold Medal at the Berliner Wein Trophy competition in 2010 $15.95

RAVAZZI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 $15.95 – Good price – but go for the gold above or below!

TENUTA MORAIA PIETRACUPA BOLGHERI 2007 Another Gold Medal Winner at the Berliner Wein Trophy competition in 2010. Pretty good buy at $18.95

CIACCI PICCOLOMINI D’ARAGONA ATEO 2007 – Originally he called this wine Ateo, ‘The Atheist’ because he contravened the local wine ‘religion’ and began making wine from nontraditional grapes in Tuscany. Not a wine for drinking on its own, this one will need food. Something bleeding on a plate would be best. My Expectation? Tight, dry and astringent but in a good way. Score: 91(Antonio Galloni) $24.95

AIA VECCHIA LAGONE 2007 Another new Bordeaux blend from Italy released to the LCBO. Availability may once again reflect the evaporation (for now) of the US market for Italian wines. Cab Sauv and Cab Franc. Best after 2011. Smart Buy. Score: 90 (James Suckling) $21.95

MASTROJANNI SAN PIO 2007 – Another super Tuscan from a good Brunello producer at $29.95

LA MADONNINA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA fresh, with rich cherry plum fruit supported more by iodine bitterness than acidity, and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a decidedly bitter finish - oh yeah, suuuure, that’s what I look for in my wines! $22.95

WASHINGTON FEATURE- I’m a Big fan

COLUMBIA CREST H3 MERLOT 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard hence the H3. I had the 2008 and it was oaky as hell but still a very good wine from a great producer and location. The 2007 was ranked #43 in Wine Spectator’s 2010 Top 100 list – Harvey Steiman gave it 91 and said: Dark, supple blackberry and black currant flavors, playing against superfine tannins on an open-textured finish. Floral, savory overtones add depth. $19.95 - A great buy but only 200 cases so move fast or make friends!

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE ETHOS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Columbia Valley - drinking well from 2013 to 2026 says Jay Miller so if you must open one soon, decant it please. 92 (Jay Miller) $39.95

Washington St. has also been described as the best location outside of the Rhone Valley for Syrah. These two efforts will show you why.
COEUR D’ALENE CELLARS SYRAH Score: 92 (Harvey Steiman) $32.95
DUNHAM CELLARS SYRAH 2005 Score: 92 (Harvey Steiman) $44.95

MAIN RELEASE

California
HAWKES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Alexander Valley, Sonoma $29.95 We have to assume this has been properly taken care of all this time but when the US reviewer calls it a 40 buck wine and the LCBO has it for $30, well, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I look out my upper floor office window to see the pigs hovering with the pigeons. Historically this just does not happen! So, if you buy more than one bottle, try one quickly so you can take the rest back if you’re not happy!
MCMANIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 Burst to prominence when Parker scored them a 90 some years ago – nonetheless not a bad price for a Cali cab as a summer BBQ wine.$19.95 Me? I’ll wait for the H3 Cab (brother to the merlot in this release) in the next release at the same price!
NEWMAN’S OWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 – When the profits from it go to charity, one has to try the wine! $17.95
RODNEY STRONG CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 Rodney Strong wines are pretty well priced and seem to score well but I have yet to have one that makes me say “Wow! Score: 89 (Steve Heimoff) $22.95

Australia
PIRRAMIMMA SHIRAZ 2006 – McLaren Vale Shiraz with terrific layers of complexity but not over the top.
As it opens, expect to get notes of jerky, olive, nori, liquorice, strawberry, blackberry and espresso on both the nose and palate. I’m a fan. $23.95
GEORGE WYNDHAM FOUNDER’S RESERVE SHIRAZ 2007 This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Perth Royal Wine Show. That's OK but more importantly how did it do at the Sharbot Lake Wine and Walleye Fest? What’s that? Oh, you meant the other Perth! Sorryyyy! In that case, at $19.95 this should be a no brainer.
RINGBOLT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 Margaret River, Western Oz – A first rate CAB done in a more Bordeaux style than most Aussies. This is always good quality for $19.95
ELDERTON SHIRAZ 2007 – Big bruisers usually and I’ve never had one I didn’t enjoy. These used to be $29.95 if I recall correctly. $32.95 now with a wine glut in Australia? Hmmmm, see my note on the Hawkes Cab.
HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED 2008 This poor guy should have been in the first or second release of the year! For now earns an honourable mention but should be a great buy at $14.95
TWO HANDS ANGELS’ SHARE SHIRAZ 2009 – Terrific producer, but for the $$’s there are better Aussie wines in the release. Score: 91 (Campbell Mattinson) $27.95
PENFOLDS BIN 2 SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2008 As I always say, this is a James Halliday score of 93 points – his and my palate do not always align. $21.95

South Africa
GRAHAM BECK THE GAME RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009 – Very nice, full Cab from South Africa. Not terribly complex but none of that burnt rubber we sometimes find from SA. Very Well Priced $18.95

Rhône
DOMAINE LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2009 - In 2010, this wine won Gold Medals at both the Concours Général Agricole in Paris and the Concours des Vins in Orange. Terrific bargain wine for mid week quaffing or Friday pizzas, burgers. Not for long term ageing but great in the short term. $13.95
LES GRANDES SERRES PRESTIGE DES GRANDES SERRE 2009 AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, Rasteau. This wine won a Gold Medal at the Concours des Vins in Orange, in 2010. Rasteau is a named appellation within CdR-V so it’s a slight step up from Cotes du Rhone Villages. Is it worth 3 bucks more than the Plan de Dieu? TBD. Still well priced at $16.95
MONTIRIUS GARRIGUES VACQUEYRAS 2009 AC – Montirius is a great biodynamic producer from the Rhone. Think of it as a little brother to the Montirius Le Clos and be prepared for excellence @ $23.95.

Other Italy
Piedmont
ABBONA LA PIEVE BAROLO 2005 DOCG Barolo wines rarely come at this fine a price, so this is the perfect opportunity to sample this Piedmontese classic. $26.95
DIEGO CONTERNO BALUMA NEBBIOLO D’ALBA 2008 DOC – Think of it as a baby Barolo $18.95
LA GIRONDA LA GENA BARBERA D’ASTI 2006 Another terrific food wine – 2 Glasses (out of 3) (Gambero Rosso)$16.95

Spain
LANGA CENTENARIA GARNACHA 2006 89 or 90 point Grenache for $13.95? My one concern is that I’ve been disappointed by a lot of the cheap and cheerful Spaniards with big scores.otherwise, Line up behind me! $13.95
MURUVE CRIANZA This polished, modern red delivers black cherry, dark chocolate, mineral and sanguine notes, firm and focused. Ripe, well-integrated tannins give way to a lingering floral and spicy finish. Drink now through 2014. Score: 91 (Thomas Matthews) $16.95
VIÑA VILANO RESERVA 2004 DO Ribera del Duero might also be worth a try at $22.95 but there are so many good ones in this release, you can wait to try it.
BODEGAS LAN VIÑA LANCIANO RESERVA 2004 DOCa Rioja TASTING NOTE: (80% tempranillo and 20% mazuelo) Key to the entire tasting note? This needs time. Missing from the tasting note? And Food. Score: 90+ (Josh Raynolds) $28.95. LAN is a very high quality producer - expect the best.

A few Big Bucks ones, but why spend so much?

DIRTY LAUNDRY BORDELLO 2008 - Dirty Laundry is a great BC producer. As for the Bordello, I used to know just the dining room to serve it in! Sometimes home reno’s ruin a good thing! $49.95

TRAPICHE VIÑA DOMINGO F. SARMIENTO SINGLE VINEYARD MALBEC 2007 The third of three recent single vineyard releases from Trapiche. These single vineyard wines might offer more than the very popular Broquel series from Trapiche, but are 3 or 4 points worth $20? You could get two 90 point Malbecs from Luigi Bosca or Catena for one of these. It’s your call. Best from 2012 to 2022. Score: 93 (Jay Miller) $39.95

3 of the four from Washington St.

ROBERT MONDAVI OAKVILLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 $54.95 James Laube, in the Wine Spectator, rated this wine a 90, Parker a 91 and said licorice, spicebox, cedar, black cherries, and black currants. But at $39.95 the Ethos from Washington St. is a better buy.

TENUTA DI CASTELGIOCONDO LAMAIONE 2007 Always good but expensive and there are too many other good wines in this release for much less. $63.95

January 22nd Vintages release - A few gems but overall not much to get excited about.

This is an easy review week for me. Not too many wines that pique my interest. Chile, Southwest France and Ontario Rieslings get the spotlights. I’ll ignore the latter and provide a brief comment on the former two.
Let’s start with Chile. With most of the entries in this release, the LCBO continues to maintain and perhaps even feed the Ontario perception that Cheap and Cheerful Chile is a purveyor of nothing but inexpensive, acceptable plonk. There appear to be only few exceptions in this release to change one’s mind. The Carmeneres from Montes Alpha and Tabali should be good to very good and the Single Vineyard Cab from Errazuriz might be as well. But, my pick from Chile is the Ninquen Antu Syrah. A few years ago, 2005 or 2006 vintage methinks, it was a spectacular example of the grape in all its new world splendour. I had the ’08 while visiting BC some time ago but after much mental buildup, I was really disappointed. The OOOAAAKK came across like some leather clad dominatrix, flogging both my olfactory and gustatory receptors into complete and utter submission. OK, maybe I’m overstating it a bit, but now you kinky readers have an image in your mind that you can really enjoy and you less kinky readers think “Wow, he’s sick but he really knows his anatomy!” Reading a couple of later reviews of the ’08 vintage and guessing the wine has come together nicely with another year or two in the bottle, I think we’re in for what I expected back in BC. Black fruits, chocolate and hints of olive and anise all underpinned by much more subtle oaky vanilla flavours. This’ll be a big mouthful either on its own or to accompany summer BBQs on the deck. (Special shout out to the Ya-Ya’s, aka the Booze Broads, you had one of these at your fall fling in Cobourg some years ago and I’m told you were impressed enough to go to the LCBO looking for more that day – now’s your chance). It seems to me it was only $16.95 last time and in spite of the stronger Canadian buck it’s now at $17.95. Even at that price the wine could be on par with a very good $25 to $30 Aussie Shiraz.

Nice segue BP, for the next recommendation comes from one of my perennial favourite Oz producers, Pirrammimma. This time it’s a Grenache, Tannat, Shiraz blend at $23.95. I don’t think I’ve ever had a Tannat from Oz but this should be interesting if only to see how this blend comes together and tastes. Tannat is a dark, tannic red most often grown in the Madiran region of Southwest France where it is usually best left in a cool dark place and forgotten for years. Oh and that’s another great segue as the Madiran is represented along with Cahors, Fronton and Gaillac in this release’s Southwest France feature. This feature is best left to lining the bottom of the birdcage in my humble opinion.

That’s not to say all of France should be avoided. I do have a couple of recommendations from there. First I’m going a wee bit upscale to recommend the 2007 Perrin Gigondas La Gille. At $29.95 it’s the more expensive of the two Gigondas in the release but think of it as a bargain basement Chateauneuf Du Pape. This wine is ageworthy but also terrific now. With some decanting and patience it’ll be even better. I have the decanter, now where did I put my patience?
The second recommendation from France is the Chateau Caplazens La Garrigue 2007 at $16.95. From the area known as La Clape (not La Cape as in the Vintages catalogue), which is probably the most renowned grape growing region in the Languedoc/ Rousillon. The ’07 vintage was terrific - expect a great fruit herb mix of flavours.

There are some Spanish wines that look promising as well but many of them are new to the LCBO so I have not tried past vintages of them. I’ll go out on a limb and provide a few of them as ‘could be’s’. Remember Spanish wines seem to love two things - food and air. The 2008 Vinos Sin-Ley Traza Gra 2 will need some time while the Casa De Illana Tresdecinco 2004 and the usually good 2007 Buil & Gine Gine Gine should both be good to go. For you fans of older wines, the 2000 Burgo Viejo Gran Reserva Rioja might be worth a shot but I’d watch the local reviewers comments in next Saturday’s newspapers before trying it.

My last pick is one of these from Italy - the Rocca Della Macie 2006 Chianti Classico Reserva gets a subtle nod over the Sportoletti but there is also a sub $30 Barolo that might merit some investigation.

Battling to make my Top 10 but not likely on my buying list this time around starts with the La Velona Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2004 (two reviews, 93 and 94 points but just over 50 bucks, ahhh lead me not into temptation!) followed by the Glaymond ‘The Distance’ Shiraz from Oz at $29.95, the Cumulus Rolling Shiraz at $14.95, the Novy Syrah, $27.95 from Napa, the 2007 Domaine Notre Dame des Pallieres Gigondas and perhaps the Mission Hill SLC Merlot.

Time for a Vintages Spoiler alert!!!!! Next release (Feb.05) has multiple spotlights – 2007 Tuscan Reds, Washington State wines and the annual Valentine’s day suggestions. You might want to adjust your buying habits accordingly this week to accommodate these upcoming features. If I can find the release list sooner, I’ll provide some early insights.

Spoiler Alert Part 2 - I have now seen the product list for Feb.05 and it meets the BP criteria to merit a description of "outstanding".

The January 8th, 2011 Vintages release

It's time for the annual “Oh my God I’m broke but can’t stop buying wine” Vintages release. This one and probably the next have a focus on bargain priced wines – remember bargain is relative when you look at the Barolos or Brunellos – but there are a few that stand out.

The Whites
2009 3 Stones Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - $12.95 : Great price for lemony, grassy, “lets have seafood tonight” accompaniment.
2009 Dominio del Plata Crios de Susanna Balbo Torrontes - $11.95 Susanna Balbo is a specialist at this grape. Want a change from SavBlanc or Chardonnay? Try this.
2010 MAN Vintners Chenin Blanc - $12.95. Used to be South Africa’s signature white. Again, if you want a change from SavBlanc or Chardonnay, here’s an option.
2009 Domaine Bellevue Sauvignon Blanc Touraine - $12.95 :
2009 Roux Pere & Fils Les Murelles Chardonnay Bourgogne - $14.95.
2009 Gehringer Brothers Dry Rock Vineyards Unoaked Chardonnay - $18.95 : A gold winner and well priced for this quality of BC Chard, and unoaked for you fans of fruit.

The Reds
2007 Altocedro La Consulta Reserva Malbec - $23.95 : WS92 points – My number one pick of the release. If I buy nothing else, I’ll buy this bad boy.
2008 La Posta Pizzella Family Vineyard Malbec - $15.00 : 90 points and 15 bucks. What’s not to like? ’08 was a more challenging year in Argentina but this should still be a good one.
2007 Villa di Cigliano Chianti Classico - $18.95 : A very good producer and a very good year. There might be better priced wines in the release but I’m not sure there’s a better wine for the buck.
2008 Majella 'The Musician' Cabernet/Shiraz - $19.95 : James Halliday says 94 – you might say 90 but still a good price for this age worthy red.
2007 Flagstone 'The Music Room' Cabernet Sauvignon - $17.95 : The best of the South Africans in this release.
2008 Thorn-Clarke Terra Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon - $14.95 : A very consistent producer for fans of those big, bold Cabs and really well priced.
2008 Cat Amongst The Pigeons 'Alley Cat' Shiraz/Grenache - $15.95 : The CATP 9 lives Shiraz was a big mouthful, this’ll be more of the same.
2008 Chateau Le Pey - $17.95 : A Bordeaux ‘wine of the month’ from a very good producer. Not to my palate but might be worth a shot!

Dec.11 Vintages release - another year gone by already!

The last release of the year already! Where did the year go? Some really well made and well priced wines and a few big ticket exclusives in case you haven’t bought my gift yet!

My picks from this release are the Aussie Tawny, the Hecht and Bannier from the Minervois and one of the bargains from Spain - probably the Mencia from Pittacum.

Lets start with a few fizzys
2006 Stellers Jay Brut from Sumac Ridge $24.95
LaCheteau, not that’s not a spelling error, Cremant de Loire or Cave de Ribeauville Giersberger should be nice under $20 alternatives to Champers.

They say the only way to truly celebrate is with Champagne but I think the 3 above will provide as much pleasure and let you buy a pretty good bottle of something else too!

Ontario
2007 Inniskillen Reserve Meritage or Creekside Laura 2007 should be good examples of Ontario’s great ’07 vintage, both come in under 20 dollars.
USA
2008 Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Chardonnay $17.95
2008 Ridge Sonoma Geyserville $43.95
Argentina
2007 Luigi Bosca Reserva Syrah $17.95
On the Malbec front, the 2006 Trapiche Fincas Las Palmas Malbec $19.95 or the 2008 Kaiken Ultra are nice choices.
Chile
2007 Santa Ema Amplus Cabernet Sauvignon $19.95 – I expect the traditional Chilean flavor profile of dark fruit, spice and hints of espresso, but was told by someone who tasted this at the Vintages tasting that this one had some strong green flavors and aromas – think sweet green peppers and the scent of tomato leaf. I’ll try one to see before going to a multiple unit purchase. It’s a WOM so there should be lots around. Dec.14 - tried one and compared it to a 2007 Santa Carolina Reserva de la Familia The Santa Ema exhibited more fruit and less green than I expected and was the better wine on that night. An opinion shared by most.
Australia
Dutschke Old Codger tawny – I expect a Whiskers Blake clone so if you enjoyed that Aussie version of port in the past, you’ll like this bad boy.
2008 Yalumba Eden Valley Shiraz Viognier $19.95
2008 Bird In Hand Lofty Ranges Shiraz $24.95 – James Halliday says 93. Perhaps, but I think not.
2009 Mitolo Jester McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon $21.95 – well made.
2006 Glaymond Barossa Landrace Shiraz $29.95 – Should be an enormous shiraz. Not for the meek and mild.
The two big buck Aussies in this release are The Elderton Ode to Lorraine, still basking in its WS Top 100 finish in the last year or two and the Penfolds St. Henri which defies the odds and continues to see inflating prices based, I suppose, on its “Baby Grange” moniker. The Lorraine may eventually fall back to pre-last year’s pricing via a markdown. I’m not sure what is keeping the St. Henri going up.
France
2006 Chateau de Gourgazaud Reserve $17.95 – a fine one from the midi.
2007 Hecht & Bannier Minervois $18.95 – my pick from this release from the Midi.
2007 Les Vignerons du Castelas Cotes du Rhone Villages $13.95

A Question for everyone: Do you go for a great vintage from a mid pack vintner or an average vintage from a great vintner? That is the question that confronts and confounds us with the Chante Cigale 2007 @$37.95 and the 2008 Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape $52.95

Spain
2006 Solar de Libano Crianza - $14.95 - I'm not familiar with the publication that has provided the 90 point review but expect that this'll be European in profile - more tobacco, less fruit. Still, 90 points and under 15 bucks is worth a flyer.
2008 Acustic Celler Acustic $18.95 – give it time or open really early.
2006 Mas Estela Quindals $18.95 – A Spanish take on the southern Rhone.
2006 Pittacum Mencia $18.95 – I expect something really nice here and different too. Once again from Bierzo, this is the mencia grape, not the expected Spanish tempranillo, cab, syrah or garnacha.
2004 Bodegas Franco Espanolas Rioja Bordon Reserva $18.95 – The other wine of the month, worth a try too.
Baron de Lay Gran Reserva 2001 – lots of age on this already, and 93 points for under 30 bucks is pretty good. Remember the Spaniards like food, so it’ll be better with it than without it.

Italy
Monte Antico 2007 – As stated in the catalogue, the 2006 made the WS top 100, scoring 90 points. This is as good a vintage so why expect less?$15.00 - Update - A word of warning here. Early reports have this being stewed - it points more to bad storage at the winery, the shipper or perhaps even our friends at the monopoly than to bad winemaking but buyer beware! I bought one bottle and will report back upon sampling it.Dec.14 - tried it - stewed, burnt flavours - 82 to 84 points, too bad
2006 Rocca delle Macie Chianti Riserva $15.00 – Terrific price.
2007 Elio Filippino Nebbiolo $15.95
2005 La Valentina Spelt Montepulciano d'Abruzzo $28.95 – A three out of three from Gambero Rosso – try to find a bottle or two.
2004 Pietranera Brunello di Montalcino $37.95
2005 Ascheri Vigna dei Pola Barolo $41.95
2004 Fattoria dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino $44.95 – Typically, this Brunello is a little more fruit forward than many others from Brunello. The score might be a wee bit inflated, but the wine is always well made the producer very solid.

Out of my range…

2006 Bongiovanni Barolo $49.95
2006 Grgich Hills Napa Merlot $53.95
2003 Il Poggione Riserva Vigna Paganelli Brunello di Montalcino $59.95
2003 Il Poggione Riserva Vigna Paganelli Brunello di Montalcino $59.95
2007 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno IGT Toscana $69.95
2005 Corte Riva Napa/Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon $77.95
2006 Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon $92.95
2006 Mount Eden Estate Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon $52.95
2005 Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $119.95
2006 Cliff Lede Poetry Stags Leap District Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $124.95