December 12th Vintages - Another year has come and gone

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.

November 28 Vintages Release - A Mixed Bag for Christmas and New Year

This release is called Holiday Finery so the price tags on the big dollar purchases continue to mount. Once again this week the product consultants are also quoted. I thought I might interject into product consultant Voula’s thought on page 11 “Explore the world with our vast top quality product selection. Re-explore countries you’ve visited and realize… that wine you bought in a retail wine shop for 23 Euros is selling at the LCBO for over $100!” Oh and Merry Christmas!

In spite of the big $’s theme of the release there are some OK sub $20 and sub $30 wines available this week. Sorted by country, I have capitalized the ones that have an inside track to my table.

Two Bubblies – ignore the big $’s champers and go for the Bailly Lapierre Reserve Brut Cremant de Bourgogne and the Salatin Millesimato Extra Dry Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2013. You can celebrate as though they were champagnes and after half a glass no one will be any the wiser.

Lapostolle Canto de Apalta 2012 - $19.95 – Carmenere takes the lead in this blend but try not to hold that against it. Look for all the best of each ripe grape from a hot Chilean vintage - Carmenere supported by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot  and Syrah. Might be the buy of the release.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2012 - $17.95 –Always lots of oak and black fruits  with enough tannins to go nicely with food. Almost on par with the H3 Cab which happens to be on sale at this time.

Clos de Los Siete 2012- $23.95 – The vines continue to mature in this new world styled Bordeaux blend from Michel Rolland. The older the vines get the better this wine is becoming and it has always been good.

Susana Balboa Signature Malbec 2013 – At $19.95 this is a good buy to accompany rare roast beef or grilled steaks.

Chapel Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 - $26.95 – Always a very nice cab from the McLaren Vale. Plenty to like here (but probably not 94 points).

Dandelion Vineyards Lioness of the McLaren vale 2013 - $19.95 – Festooned with enough medals to be confused with the 2000 vintage Thorpedo, this is an always big and bold red from Oz. If you like ‘em large, this is for you.

Nederberg Manor House Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $16.95 - This South African bargain while not a standout in any one area, does everything well for the price.

KWV The Mentors Shiraz 2012 - $29.95 – an excellent shiraz, give it a few months in a cool dark place. It will really come around.

Chateau Maris Las Combes Minervois La Liviniere 2011 – $25.95 – A Chateau Maris sighting is a pretty rare thing in Ontario but is among the very best producers in the Midi. Think of this excellent Minervois as a named ‘Villages’ quality wine from the Southern Rhone. Made from 100% Grenache.

M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila Haut CoTes du Roussillon Villages 2014 - $15.95 – a  buy from the Midi holdings of the well known Rhone expert  Michel Chapoutier. Ready to drink right now but this can also use a bit of bottle time to develop and mature.

Domaine de Vitalis Cairanne 2013 –$16.95 - From a named village among the Cotes du Rhone Villages, this should be good for immediate consumption or short term age.

Casa Castillo El Molar 2013 - $17.95 – Terrific review for an under $18 wine. I might sink my teeth into one or two (did you see what I did there?).

Castano Solanera 2013 - $16.95 – Another Spanish bargain from old vines. Give it a bit of time to settle down then drink over the short term. I popped and poured a 2012 recently and it was very difficult to say whether I really liked it. I liked it…just not sure I really liked it. It was a busy wine to be sure.

BIG BUCKS

Nothing over $50 GETS mentioned. I’m becoming more stringent with my limits.

Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – $46.95 - Superior cabernet from Argentina. Brown bag it and you’d think $100 Napa, minimum.

Elderton Ode to Lorraine 2012 - $39.95 – A few years back this made the WS Top 100. Last year I had one (2010, I think) and it was shocking - It looked like a Pinot Noir in the glass. I’m really not sure what to expect – big, dark and unctuous or a repeat of this previous disappointment.

Burrowing Owl Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 – Closer in price to what it should be - it’s still only $35 from the winery but a good wine if you can keep your hands off it for a few years.

Stags Leap Petit Sirah 2012 - $39.95 - Similar to what the Ode to Lorraine used to be (and might be again) this should be a very expressive, black coloured wine rich with floral scents and dark fruit.

Mid November's Vintages release - Yawn....

For this week, which is normally one of the better ones of the year for wine consumers who live in Ontario, there are lots of average wines with a few slightly better than that tossed in. The QPR of the recent Oct.31 Vintages release highlights the inferiority of this one - unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth. I wasn’t, so haven’t even bothered to review many of the big  ticket wines in this release. But speaking of silver, there is a silver lining to this gray cloud of mediocrity. Knowing how pedestrian this release is allows us to contemplate and perhaps revisit favourites that are still available from previous releases. Or perhaps just find a good reason to take a visit to Quebec.

This week the second feature is 1.5L bottles of wine. When a ‘big  bottle’ is the LCBO’s sole differentiator to sell a wine, you know someone has really taken the easy way out.

THE PICKS (but none overwhelm me)

RHÔNE

 CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2012 - 901 cases of 12  $19.95 – Gassier is a very good producer and this is a consistent wine with high levels of fruit, terrior and tannin. Great with game meats and stews.  

AUSTRALIA – As always, please take James Halliday’s scores with a grain of salt.

 PIRRAMIMMA WHITE LABEL SHIRAZ 2013   493 cases of 12 $24.95 – A perennial pick. McLaren Vale fruit, this is big but not overwhelming and is an excellent example of what Oz wines can offer. Tasted over time it’ll evolve nicely with air. Black cherry flavours will evolve to chocolate covered strawberries and on to mocha espresso aromas. Excellent with a thought provoking author or a rack of lamb.

ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP CHOCOLATE FACTORY SHIRAZ 2013   999 cases of 12 $17.95 By its name you can guess what to expect from this well priced Aussie. While it has won gold medals at four different international wine competitions, this isn’t as good as Halliday’s score indicates.

D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   447 cases of 12 $19.95- Solid, Well priced cab from D’Arenberg. Not as ageworthy as their Coppermine Road but also about two fifths the price. The Wakefield cab in this release is also worthy of consideration.

MIDI

 GÉRARD BERTRAND FITOU 2011 808 cases of 12 $16.95  - The Fitou appellation in the Languedoc  region produces wines very similar to those from Corbieres. If you happen to be in France, just be sure which one you are in before you say the other is superior. Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah are the grapes blended in specified percentages. Actually, both wines from Fitou in the release should be good.

SPAIN

Palacio de Sada Crianza  2011 - $16.95 – Another Decanter 95 pointer from Spain but this Grenache is new to me. The review reads as though it’ll be a wine to be enjoyed while serenely and thoughtfully contemplating what the world has to offer (an early blizzard rather than an outdoor bbq perhaps?). We shall see.

CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO CRIANZA 2009 - $19.95 for this WoM seems OK.   Not a palate coater by any stretch but a nice food wine. Oaky, I dare say.

As an aside, I think the other wine of the month (Decoy) is overpriced. If you can find the 2012 Beringer that is reduced in price it’s a better wine in my opinion. Also, Vintages website says the price for the Beringer is currently $39.95. The online version of the Vintages catalogue for 11/14 says it’ll be $32.95 on sale.

TUSCANY

GIACOMO MORI CHIANTI 2012 500 cases of 12  $19.95 – A solid review from Galloni leads me to expect a chianti well suited to accompany a traditional meat based Italian meal.

IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2008 799 cases of 12 $23.95 – A very solid food wine that is ready to drink now.

BIG BOTTLES

SANTA CAROLINA RESERVA DE FAMILIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 - 93 cases of 6  $37.95 This is a 1.5 litre bottle of the always good Cabernet. Ready to rock and roll with 7 years age on it.

BIG BUCKS

TENUTE SILVIO NARDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   798 cases of 12   $41.95  - This winery is run by Emilia Nardi, granddaughter of the founder. She is also the winemaker and has developed a wine that presents the terroir of the locale very well. Black cherry, some anise, and an herby undertone are present. Suckling’s review (95 points) may be over the top for this elegant sophisticated wine.

ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ 2012 237 cases of 6   $39.95 – Bigger brother of St. Hallet’s oft excellent Faith, this is a massive wine, not dissimilar to Ebenezer or Elderton’s upper midpriced Shiraz.

JOHN GLAETZER JOHN'S BLEND MARGARETE'S SHIRAZ 2010   239 cases of 6   $39.95 – A toss up between this and St. Hallett.  

BANFI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   499 cases of 12  $54.95  - Also from the exceptional 2010 vintage, this should be very  nice indeed. Keep in mind Suckling’s score is 2 to 5 points higher than other reviewers.  I think I’d save 9 bucks and buy the Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione from a few releases ago before buying this.

POGGIO VERRANO DRÒMOS 2005   298 cases of 6  $39.95 – The same vintage was available 4 years ago in Quebec for $32.50. Expect cedar, black fruit and some mint notes. Serve with rack of lamb. Right in its drinking window now, do expect some dried rather than completely fresh fruits on the palate.

MARCHESE ANTINORI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2012   150 cases of 12  $32.95 Too expensive.  If you want a chianti this’ll be good but stick with the sub $25 options. Should be $29.

GORDON ESTATE SYRAH 2012   112 cases of 12   $32.95  - Too expensive.  Just creeps into big buck territory which is too bad for it because it’s good but it shouldn’t be this pricey. Should be $27.

October 31 - Tuscany and Chile in a very good release but why, oh why?

It’s a Tuscan release so let us commence with a Tuscan wine question. “Why is the Pian delle Vigne 2010 a full $16 more expensive here than in Quebec?”   I’ll await your response Shari Mogk-Edwards but I won’t hold my breath. That question asked, I now have to take my hat off to the Vintages team for this release. As you can tell from my notes below, this has something for everyone.

Chile plays second fiddle in this release and while it is overshadowed by the bold Italians there are some worthy options.

TUSCANY Picks – Four that look excellent, two under $20 and two under $25.

BORGO SCOPETO BORGONERO 2011   998 cases of 12   $19.95 – The Borgo Scopeto Chianti was a beaut and  Yes, I should have bought more! I expect more of the same with this well priced Tuscan/ Bordeaux blend. It might need some time to get settled so don’t rush to serve it but the big number and great price will have this one blowing out the door so do rush to buy it.

Frescobaldi CAMPO AI SASSI Rosso di Montalcino 2013 - $21.95 – While this 2013 might be good to age, it should also be ready for immediate consumption. Planted in the southern half of the Castelgiocondo estate below Montalcino and aged for 12 months in Slavonian oak, this was unanimously given 95 by the Decanter tasting panel.

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   3498 cases of 12   $17.00  - Another of the Food and Drink specials (or is that F and D specials, or maybe F’n D specials) , this garnered a 92 point score from Wine Spectator but be careful to read the review. This is an old school chianti, so give it time and food. It does not seem to be as universally well liked among the wine cognoscenti.  

CAFAGGIO CORTACCIO 2006   344 cases of 12   $24.95 – A 100% Cabernet Sauv wine from a terrific Tuscan vintage. Now with almost 9 years on it this one is ready for immediate consumption and I don’t expect it to get better (I like my wines to exhibit some fresh as opposed to all dried fruit characteristics). Are you ready for a Florentine steak hot off the grill?

OTHER PICKS

My first four picks outside Tuscany in the $15 -$30 range are the CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON   279 cases of 12 at $26.95 will be spicy and tasty with cloves and vanilla supporting the black currant fruit.  Next is the CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO ANDES PIRQUE VINEYARD CABERNET. In the medium term this’ll be as good as their flagship Don Melchor. A bold statement but I really like this wine. Look for the traditional Chilean profile of black currant, loam, just a hint of green and mint and a long, full finish. Decant and serve with a rare roast of beef. 995 cases of 6 at  $29.95. Third pick is the Spanish MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008.  At $18.95 and with food this is among the better QPR reds I’ve had in the last year or so. Last option is the SYRAH from MONTES ALPHA. I find the wines from this producer lean more towards OZ than Europe so this’ll be a pleasant softer mouthful. 650 or so cases of 12.

BACK to TUSCANY

POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2012   298 cases of 12  $29.95 – Having visited Poliziano I have to recommend this wine for no other reason than the professionalism of their staff.  

TENUTA SAN GUIDO LE DIFESE 2013   644 cases of 6  $29.95  - The Third  wine to Sassicaia and Guidalberto, this is made from younger estate vines. Expensive but …

LE VOLTE DELL'ORNELLAIA 2013   495 cases of 12  $29.95 – The third wine of the Ornellaia estate.

RUFFINO MODUS 2011   676 cases of 12  $29.95  - James Suckling is a huge fan of this wine. Me? I like it but I think there are many better places to spend your money in this release.

SPAIN

 MURIEL RESERVA VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA 2008   997 cases of 12 $18.95 As  mentioned above in my non Tuscan picks. Keep in mind this was in Decanter’s Top 10 Wines of 2013 but is the third release of this vintage and wine by the Vintages team. Now, that said I always worry about rereleases so you can bet I’m really worried about this rererelease! It might have been nice for the LCBO to throw us a bone and make this one of the Food and Drink specials but that was just too much to hope for.

BARÓN DE LEY RESERVA 2010   596 cases of 12  $19.95 – The second of a couple of well priced and terrific  Spanish wines in this release. You better like oak for this one and do open well before serving with food.

AUSTRALIA

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   996 cases of 6  $23.95 – Another really solid new world Cabernet. 

RHÔNE

LAVAU VACQUEYRAS 2012   358 cases of 12 $24.95 – Lavau is a solid if not spectacular producer and you know I like wines from vineyards in the region of this Village.

UNDER $17

For you bargain hunters, there are a few goodies that just squeak under the $17 mark. Three from Argentina, the two CRIOS offerings – a Malbec and a red Blend should be very nice as well as  the FAMIGLIA BIANCHI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   599 cases of 12  $17.95 Any of these will be solid, great for a Christmas open house, it you’re thinking ahead. Also worth considering are the Brampton Cab from South Africa or the Xavier Cotes du Rhone 2012.

BIG BUCKS

ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   987 cases of 6  $69.95 – You’d laugh if you weren’t crying, right? This is $53.75 in Quebec for the same Vintage so those who have defended the LCBO by saying that it serves a purpose and funds things like OHIP etc can look at Quebec. With the same health system and subsidized daycare for young families (max cost $7.30 up to a max. of $20 per day)  they still manage to sell this wine for $16.25 less than the LCBO – how does the LCBO get away with that? Anywhere else and it would be called price gouging (or perhaps incompetence?).

 PENFOLDS BIN 28 KALIMNA SHIRAZ 2012   155 cases of 6 $34.95 

  TWO HANDS LILY'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2013   299 cases of 6 $54.95 

  E. GUIGAL GIGONDAS 2011   197 cases of 12  $36.95

  J. L. CHAVE SÉLECTION OFFERUS SAINT-JOSEPH 2012   71 cases of 12   $33.95 – Nice meaty peppery syrah from a terrific producer. Lamb chops are calling its name.

  BENI DI BATASIOLO BOSCARETO BAROLO 2009   199 cases of 6   $67.95

  FONTANAFREDDA LA ROSA BAROLO 2008   127 cases of 6  $64.95

TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2012 246 cases of 6  $77.95 – This has come down a wee bit (maybe to try to match Quebec?) and the 2004  was among my wines of the year last year but I can’t justify it. Quebec has it at $73 for the 2011. Just sayin’.

 POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 592 cases of 12  $39.95 – An old style Brunello at a reasonable price. But this is ‘old style’ so fruit will be reticent and food is recommended.

  SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO DA SAN FELICE GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI   247 cases of 6   $46.95 – A Chianti in Brunello clothing.

October 17th Vintages - Cali and Piedmont vie for your cash

The October 17th^st release sees the prices begin to spike as we head into the Christmas time releases. Focused on California with an able backup from Barolo, this one will be a wallet lightener to be sure. The LCBO, ever the masters of the understatement called this release the California Gold Rush. Look at the prices and you’ll see why - They’re rushing to get our gold.

MIDI

M. CHAPOUTIER DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2013   998 cases of 12   $25.95 – Always excellent but will need a bit of time to calm down.

VILLA SYMPOSIA L'EQUILIBRE 2012   221 cases of 12  $22.95  - Another reasonably good buy for a mid term ageworthy wine.

RHÔNE

FAMILLE PERRIN LES CORNUDS VINSOBRES 2013   404 cases of 12  $17.95 – With the Nicalo, this is the semibargain red selection of the release.

DOMAINES PERRIN COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 344 cases of 12 $29.95 – A Cotes du Rhone with Chateauneufian sensibilities. Built to age in the medium term, you’ll find it puckeringly  tannic in its youth.

AUSTRALIA

3 RINGS SHIRAZ 2013   995 cases of 12  $18.95  - Consistent wine – never let’s you down.

MOLLYDOOKER THE BOXER SHIRAZ 2013   199 cases of 12   $29.95 – Sometimes referred to as The BenlynDooker, this’ll be inky black garnet and juicy. Old style OZ.

D'ARENBERG THE GALVO GARAGE 2010   191 cases of 12   $29.95 Is it my imagination or has this jumped in price from last year? 

VENICE

 TEDESCHI CAPITEL NICALÒ 2013 948 cases of 12  $17.95 – The other semibargain of the release. I do expect to like this one based on history.

SPAIN

RIOJA VEGA RESERVA 2008   1059 cases of 12   $21.95 – Lots of bottles so no rush.

DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2011   298 cases of 12   $29.95 – This one has jumped in price if I recall correctly. Expect something akin to a southern Rhone palate with a dollop of pinot noir thrown in. The only grape in it is mencia. But that’s what it tastes like to me.

BIG BUCKS

FATTORIA DI BASCIANO I PINI 2011   239 cases of 6 $30.95 – I’m hoping for a replay of Castello del  Terriccio’s terrific Tassinaia with this one. One dollar too much drops it into the Big Buck zone.

BRITISH COLUMBIA’s JACKSON-TRIGGS SUNROCK VINEYARD ILLUMINA 2012   111 cases of 6  $34.95- A spectacular setting and a terrific vineyard in both soil composition and solar exposure.  If you want to see how much fruit a Canadian red can show try this blend of Zinfandel and Shiraz.  Note to J.T - check the harvest dates on the PDF for this one on the Great Estates website.

CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE  348 cases of 12   $45.95  - I’m a big fan of Di Ama but I’ll have to drown my sorrows with a bottle of 2009 Reserva since  I expect I’ll lose out on the charge for this one come Saturday (or Friday, or whenever!). Like the Banfi below, it’ll need some time to tame the tannins.

BANFI POGGIO ALLE MURA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   110 cases of 6   $69.95 Patience people, patience. Needs at least 7 years to show the best it has to offer.

All across Europe, 2010 was a great vintage. The following four Barolos should provide real pleasure for you.

TENUTA ROCCA BAROLO 2010   239 cases of 12   $36.95 

PRUNOTTO BAROLO 2010   199 cases of 12    $40.95  

FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2010   200 cases of 12    $44.95  

ASCHERI SORANA BAROLO 2010   111 cases of 12   $57.95  

PICCINI VILA AL CORTILE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   299 cases of 12    $36.95 – A nice comparatively inexpensive Brunello to sip while you wait for the 2010 Banfi below to age and come around. Remember, patience is a virtue though!

DOMAINE DE CRISTIA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   149 cases of 12    $43.95

Black Stallion Napa Cabernet 2012 - $32.95 – 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance a blend of the Bordeaux grapes this is as close to a bargain as I could find from Napa. But I’ll wait for next release and buy a cab from Washington St. or Chile.

October 3 Vintages release - a rude awakening

Just back from two and a half weeks enjoying many of the pleasures that Italy has to offer so this week’s release returns us to earth with a thud. A few to choose from and fewer still to get excited about!

ARGENTINA

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS TERROIR MALBEC 2012 222  cases of 12 $22.95 – A late season steak on the BBQ? Well then, here’s this week’s rare beef special.  

AUSTRALIA

 CAPE BARREN NATIVE GOOSE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE   259 cases of 12 $19.95 A nice GSM for roast pheasant or other winged creature or perhaps something porcine.  

 CHALK HILL WINES WITS END LUNA SHIRAZ 2013   598 cases of 12 $18.95  

CHILE

 TABALI RESERVA SYRAH 2012   398 cases of 12 $14.95 – I expect this to be the best bargain in the release if you like black cherry with your smokey, meaty, sweaty, olive tinged wines.  From vineyards in the Limari Valley in Chile which happens to be a very good location for syrah.

FRANCE MIDI

   GÉRARD BERTRAND TERROIR CORBIÈRES 2011   499 cases of 12 $16.95 – The only problem with this is that there are too many Bertrand bottles to choose from in most Vintages sections. As good a producer as he is, this seems a Biweekly occurrence now and runs the risk of brand overload.

  DOMAINE LAFAGE CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2013   1197 cases of 12 $19.95 – Jeb Dunnuck will become a name you see more and more in Vintages reviews. Especially as he reviews other regions besides the Rhone. He might be stretching credibility with this score. 93 points is a lot for this vintage and producer but it’ll serve the LCBO well I suppose.  

SICILY

 CUSUMANO NOÀ 2012   332 cases of 12 $22.95  - For fans of big, black reds I recommend that you take a few steps off the beaten path and try this blend. Decant or at least open an hour ahead.

TUSCANY

 FONTERUTOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012   398 cases of 12 $25.95  - A little fruitier than the reserve, great with tomato and or meat sauces.

BIG BUCKS

 TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2012   349 cases of 12 $35.95  Further evidence that James Suckling’s palate has gone south. Can’t possibly be this good and I will not waste $35 to prove it.

 TENUTA SAN VINCENTI GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   100 cases of 12 $54.95  The latest of the Chiantis dressed in Brunello pricetags.

 Age alert*****Those already in retirement should seriously consider whether they’ll be around to see each of the following wines in its prime.

CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   224 cases of 12 $59.95 A brilliant vintage across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello and Barolo, here is the latest of the 2010’s. By the way, stay tuned for my notes on our visit to the region and the unanimous perception of the LCBO among producers in Tuscany.

 ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA ROCCHE DELL'ANNUNCIATA BAROLO 2010   224 cases of 12 $44.95 – A brilliant vintage across Italy and especially the big two – Brunello and Barolo, here is the latest of the 2010’s.

 LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013   149 cases of 12  $58.95 Do you have a vertical to keep alive? Go for one perhaps. This’ll need 5- 10 years to even consider it to be ready to approach.

Vintages Labour Day Release

Labour Day Weekend signals that the end of summer is almost upon us. For the LCBO it usually signals the beginning of better Vintages releases as we get into autumn. Remember that better is generally accompanied by ‘lots more expensive’ with the LCBO. Check the prices to see.

An interesting side note, there is only one wine from Australia in this release and it’s a white. This may have happened in the recent past but I can’t remember when. On to the picks!

SOUTH AFRICA

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2012 222 cases of 12 $20.95 – Excellent, very well done in a juicy, albeit tannic Bordeaux style. I know that contradicts, but the wine is fruity and tannic so they’re the descriptors I’ve got. Best laid down for a year or so based on past vintages.

SPAIN

OLARRA CLÁSICO RESERVA 2009 501 cases of 12 $18.95  - Let the battles begin! A score of 97 points combined with a sub $20 price point almost guarantees fisticuffs. Schedule your Saturday accordingly!

CHILE

MONTGRAS ANTU SYRAH 2012    2199 cases of 12 $17.00  - A full bodied if somewhat oaky syrah. Look for black fruits, vanilla notes and hints of dark chocolate. While a nice wine this is really no bargain considering how many cases are being bought by the LCBO. For quite some time the 2013 Vintage has also been available at Vintages for 95 cents more. (Update - Now I'm confused! The 2013 and the 2012 are both priced at $17 on the vintages website and as of Sept. 2, all the inventory in store was applied to the 2013, not the 2012. Seems ironic that the Vintages folks can't seem to keep track of different, wait for it, vintages! Shop accordingly.)

MIDI

DOMAINE LAFAGE TESSELLAE CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON OLD VINES 2013  3494 cases of 12 $17.00 . Think of this Domaine Lafage/ Eric Solomon coproduction as an upper price point Cotes du Rhone Villages and don’t forget that you can oft times get a CdR-V of equivalent quality for under $15.  The Tessellae was designed and built for American tastes (Solomon is the American importer) and is the other Food and Drink Special. It was available at some small Mom and Pop stores south of the border for less than $12. so to call it a ‘special’ might be stretching advertising credibility.  

RHÔNE

LE GRAVILLAS GIGONDAS 2013   448 cases of 12 $22.95 – well priced for a Gigondas,  about the same as 2012, but remember there was a poor grenache vintage in the Southern Rhone in 2013 so you may find a different flavor profile than in the past.

TUSCANY

BRANCAIA TRE 2012 476 cases of 12  $23.95  - This scores like mad but like so many Italian wines, it shows its best when  served with food.

CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2011 235 cases of 12  $29.95 

PICCINI SASSO AL POGGIO 2009   795 cases of 12  $19.95  

VIGNAMAGGIO GHERARDINO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012   243 cases of 12  $24.95

SPAIN

BODEGAS ALTANZA HACIENDA VALVARÉS 2011 471 cases of 12  $19.95  - OK

ABAD DOM BUENO MENCÍA 2008 698 cases of 12  $15.95  - Another Mencia for those seeking a red that’s a little different.

WASHINGTON STATE

SAGELANDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   299 cases of 12 $18.95  - Nice black cherry attack, loamy mid-palate with a moderately long finish. $9.99, yes $9.99, on Amazon.com  

CALIFORNIA – all three of the cabs below finish a close second to Sagelands in my opinion.

KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 616 cases of 12  $22.95  

IRONY SMALL LOT RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 1958 cases of 12 $21.95  

HESS SELECT CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 782 cases of 12 $24.95  

BIG BUCKS

J.L. CHAVE SELECTION SILÈNE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2013   75 cases of 12  $33.00 – Rack of lamb anyone? Maybe have a J.L. Chave/ Fess Parker syrah off with the winner getting a coon skin cap.

FESS PARKER THE BIG EASY SYRAH 2012 193 cases of 6 $35.95 Best served with beef jerky while  watching black and white reruns of Disney’s Davey Crocket or Daniel Boone. Or if you’re feeling up to colour, go for Old Yeller. Although I usually reserve a Chardonnay (yellow dog after all) and a box of Kleenex for that one.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CUT CABERNET 446 cases of 12 $34.95  - Among if not my favourite Alexander Valley/ Sonoma  cabs and priced where it was last year.
CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 110 cases of 12 $70.95 –Kaching.

 GALLO SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   223 cases of 6 $49.95  

TENUTA DEGLI DEI CAVALLI 2010   240 cases of 6  $49.95

INSPIRACIÓN VALDEMAR GRACIANO 2005 375 cases of 6 $34.95  - Ten years on, this is ready to rock!

VERBENA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009 247 cases of 12 $39.95

TIGNANELLO 2011   601 cases of 6 $102.95

PATRICK LESEC GALETS BLONDS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   108 cases of 12  $56.95  

FERDINANDO PRINCIPIANO DEL COMUNE DI SERRALUNGA D'ALBA   192 cases of 12  $44.95