This is the best release in a while. When I first read through it, I thought ‘3 or 4 perhaps’ – now I’ve reviewed it more closely and I’m hard pressed to stop at 8 different wines!...Gotta keep telling myself, “Relax BP, LCBO is a monopoly but they're in retail and they’re way overstocked. WHEN YOU’RE IN RETAIL AND YOU’RE WAY OVERSTOCKED, prices will drop!”
Prompted by those two hot days in the last week or so, I’ve started with a couple of fizzies. LET ME ASSURE EVERYONE this is not the first step to “Desperate Housewife Sunday Nights”! I can Just taste them ( the fizzies, not the wives), on a sunny deck out by the pool - or by the Bay - with some mezes, Tapas, antipasto.
So what do I figure to be buying? MANGA DEL BRUJO 2006, MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008, CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006, or maybe a GIGONDAS, and a COLONIAL ESTATE ENVOY GRENACHE/ SHIRAZ/ MOURVÈDRE 2006
Two Sparklers
PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT Mmmm, grilled shrimp or inch wide strips of planked salmon on the Bar BQ! $19.95
From April 11th another Sparkler that you also might enjoy
MARQUES DE GELIDA EXCLUSIVE BRUT RESERVA CAVA 2004 Spain - Looks like a wine bottle designed by 16 year olds…but could be very nice! $19.95
A white!
MULDERBOSCH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 – one of my Annual Sauv/Blanc favourites – great with anything from the Sea $18.95
The Release
SANTA JULIA RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 – Zuccardi Family – quality producer at a great price- $13.95
CONO SUR CABERNET SAUVIGNON/CARMENÈRE 2008 – A terrific value blend - should be fruity and juicy and only $13.95
ALKOOMI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Frankland River, Western OZ is always more Bordeaux than Barossa ( well, to my palate anyway). Should be good. Taste it, let it breath a bit, then taste it again. $17.95
RICHARD HAMILTON LOT 148 MERLOT 2006 McLaren Vale, South Australia – Interesting to compare a California Merlot with this one… Score - 90. $19.95
EBERLE WINERY STEINBECK VINEYARD SYRAH 2005 The 2005 Eberle Syrah should be very nice $28.95
THE COLONIAL ESTATE ENVOY GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Barossa Australia I expect a Rosemount GSM in Colonial Estate clothing. This should be a very nice wine if you can leave it for a bit in the sous-sol $29.95
PERRIN & FILS LA GILLE GIGONDAS 2006 AC -The ’05 made the WS Top 100 – 89 points seems too low a score for the wine and the vintage. Might try one. but let it sleep beside the GSM for a while $29.95
MANGA DEL BRUJO 2006 DO Calatayud (San Gregorio) – A Spanish take on the GSM (OK, technically it’s a GSTMM but I hate the GST)and I quote…exhibits an expressive bouquet of cedar, tobacco, earth, vanilla, black cherry, and blueberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, ripe, intensely flavored wine with excellent depth, balance, and length. Another 2-3 years in the cellar should yield additional complexity. Drink this tasty effort through 2020. All this for under $18 bucks? Hurry, only 250 cases and if you don’t like it you can return it! Score - 90+. $17.95
Tuscany Focus Release – some real beauts, Sangiovese fans rejoice. A word of warning though – decant any of them for an hour, you’ll be glad you did.
BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2005 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Complex and intriguing: cherry, tobacco and oak/vanilla scents, with flavours integrating nicely. Drink 2010-20. Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). 24.95
CASA EMMA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: …penetrating aromas of cherry, cola, almond and spice. Should be great with any pasta Score - 88. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast,Sept. 1, 2008) $19.95
CENNATOIO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006 DOCG TASTING NOTE: Dried flowers, with blackberry and dried cherry, lead to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Needs time to open. Best after 2009. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2008) $24.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CAMPOMACCIONE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2006. A well made wine. But will need food and open it early.$18.95
FATTORIA DI MAGLIANO HEBA MORELLINO DI SCANSANO 2006 – should be good too. $27.95
FASSATI PASITEO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2005 should be good $24.95
CASTELLANI POGGIO AL CASONE LA CATTURA 2006- IGT Toscana A very Interesting review 90points $19.95
California Focus – Lots of big buck wines and a few gems, but overall, better wines for less bucks elsewhere in the world.
SANCTUARY USIBELLI VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 something drier and earthier than the usual Napa Cab, should be good with red meat especially. Score - 90. I’d love to serve this blind against the Alkoomi.$34.95
ARTEZIN ZINFANDEL 2006 – of the three Zin’s this’d be my pick – the others should be good as well. $26.95
RUTHERFORD HILL MERLOT 2004 Napa Valley my pick of the Napa Merlots $34.95
The Big Bucks Buys
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MONTESODI CHIANTI RÚFINA RISERVA 2005 DOCG, - Should be superb! Castello di Nipozzano Score - 90. (James Suckling,) $59.95
LEONARDO DA VINCI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004 DOCG $59.95
FATTORIA LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003 DOCG Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com,) $48.95
COL D'ORCIA NEARCO 2003 DOC Sant'Antimo TASTING NOTE: Thick in extraction, Nearco is a ripe and meaty red with thick layers of blueberry, blackberry, coffee, tobacco, ink, vanilla, spice and cigar box that peel off one solid layer after the other. Nothing is understated here and the wine hits the palate with determined tannins. Score - 92. (Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2008) $37.95
FATTORIA LE PUPILLE SAFFREDI 2004 Well it’s $115 but it’s a rare 97 pointer! Score - 97. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2007 $114.95
CAYMUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Napa Valley . Score - 92. (James Laube, www.winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2008) $89.95
DOMINUS ESTATE NAPANOOK 2005 $53.95
PAUL HOBBS CROSSBARN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Napa Valley . Score - 90. (Tom Cannavan, $69.95
DUCKHORN MERLOT 2006 Napa Valley a memorable, prototype Merlot. Score - 96. If this was a Napa Cab getting this score it would be a hundred dollars more! $63.95
MITOLO G.A.M. SHIRAZ 2007. Score - 90. (Harvey Steiman,)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Vintages April 11 Release - Dr. Seuss Lives!
This week it’s the LCBO’s answer to Green Eggs and Ham!
Think about the vintages release combo this week - biodynamic wines and Easter. Never let it be said that their marketing department doesn’t have a sense of humour ….meanwhile, not much to get too excited about.
TRAPICHE BROQUEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza - Good price for a pretty good Cab. 14.95
KAIKEN MALBEC 2007 Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza - Another great buy from Argentina, bargain loving red meat eaters rejoice! $14.95
G7 GRAN RESERVA 2005 Loncomilla Valley - Not named for the Canadian Group of Seven, nor the old G7 industrial nations, but rather a celebration of 7 generations of winemaking expertise. Should be a good Cabernet $18.95
BREMERTON MATILDA PLAINS CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2007 – Think 3 Monks at a bargain price. Last year’s was delicious especially for the price! $14.95
HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED 2007 Interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Grenache. Very well priced too. $15
DELHEIM SHIRAZ 2005 – always well done $16.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2006 - This review is terrific – can the wine stand up to it? I’ll buy one to see. $19.95
CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET FONT DE BLANCHE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2006 – should be terrific with almost anything from strong fish to roast beef! $16.95
LE GRAVILLAS GIGONDAS 2006 This wine won Gold at the 2007 Foire aux vins d'Orange. Should be really good in a year or two. $27.95
CASTELLANI VIGNETTI DI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO 2003 – Great price for a baby Super Tuscan - Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah.. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $22.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 This Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.. Smart Buy.- Ready to drink too.Score - 90. (James Suckling) $24.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE SASYR SANGIOVESE/SYRAH 2006 – also ready to drink, the name is a combo of the grapes. Score - 88. (James Suckling,) $18.95
TEZZA MA ROAT VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO 2006 Will reward time in a decanter, so enjoy this one over a long meal with people you love to talk to or drink by yourself over an entire evening) 17.95
BOSTAVAN PINOT NOIR 2005 – Wine from Moldova - now that’s a wild looking bottle! $13.95
The Big Priced Specials
TENUTA DI CASTELGIOCONDO LAMAIONE 2005 IGT Toscana $59.95
CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 It should provide superb drinking over the next 10-15 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $49.95
D'ARENBERG THE IRONSTONE PRESSINGS GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Feeling wealthy? Buy this one and the Clos St. Jean. Put them both away for 5 years in a cool dark place and then call me to come over ! $49.95
Think about the vintages release combo this week - biodynamic wines and Easter. Never let it be said that their marketing department doesn’t have a sense of humour ….meanwhile, not much to get too excited about.
TRAPICHE BROQUEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Mendoza - Good price for a pretty good Cab. 14.95
KAIKEN MALBEC 2007 Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza - Another great buy from Argentina, bargain loving red meat eaters rejoice! $14.95
G7 GRAN RESERVA 2005 Loncomilla Valley - Not named for the Canadian Group of Seven, nor the old G7 industrial nations, but rather a celebration of 7 generations of winemaking expertise. Should be a good Cabernet $18.95
BREMERTON MATILDA PLAINS CABERNET/SHIRAZ 2007 – Think 3 Monks at a bargain price. Last year’s was delicious especially for the price! $14.95
HEARTLAND STICKLEBACK RED 2007 Interesting blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Dolcetto and Grenache. Very well priced too. $15
DELHEIM SHIRAZ 2005 – always well done $16.95
CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES 2006 - This review is terrific – can the wine stand up to it? I’ll buy one to see. $19.95
CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET FONT DE BLANCHE CÔTES-DU-RHÔNE 2006 – should be terrific with almost anything from strong fish to roast beef! $16.95
LE GRAVILLAS GIGONDAS 2006 This wine won Gold at the 2007 Foire aux vins d'Orange. Should be really good in a year or two. $27.95
CASTELLANI VIGNETTI DI CAMPOMAGGIO ROSSO 2003 – Great price for a baby Super Tuscan - Sangiovese, Cabernet and Syrah.. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $22.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2004 This Chianti Classico is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.. Smart Buy.- Ready to drink too.Score - 90. (James Suckling) $24.95
ROCCA DELLE MACÌE SASYR SANGIOVESE/SYRAH 2006 – also ready to drink, the name is a combo of the grapes. Score - 88. (James Suckling,) $18.95
TEZZA MA ROAT VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE RIPASSO 2006 Will reward time in a decanter, so enjoy this one over a long meal with people you love to talk to or drink by yourself over an entire evening) 17.95
BOSTAVAN PINOT NOIR 2005 – Wine from Moldova - now that’s a wild looking bottle! $13.95
The Big Priced Specials
TENUTA DI CASTELGIOCONDO LAMAIONE 2005 IGT Toscana $59.95
CLOS SAINT JEAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 It should provide superb drinking over the next 10-15 years. Score - 90. (Robert Parker Jr.,) $49.95
D'ARENBERG THE IRONSTONE PRESSINGS GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2006 Feeling wealthy? Buy this one and the Clos St. Jean. Put them both away for 5 years in a cool dark place and then call me to come over ! $49.95
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Wine should NOT be taken seriously - here's proof!
and no that was not an unconcious alchohol pun...............
this series is very well done, but this one minute bit on French wines is superb!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPogmBFYH8
this series is very well done, but this one minute bit on French wines is superb!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPogmBFYH8
Friday, March 27, 2009
Another Sale - March 30th delisting
LCBO has another sale upcoming beginning March 30th. Some OK wines, but no screaming deals. Some research required but if you want a list, try here:
http://www.freewebs.com/nickswine/
http://www.freewebs.com/nickswine/
Thursday, March 26, 2009
March 28th Vintages release
A release for fans of tempranillo and Pinot Noir. I'm not a big fan of either, so I'll try a few things but continue to hold off for the next 2 releases.
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95
South America
ALAMOS MALBEC 2007Wine Spectator deemed this Malbec a "Best Value" in November 2008. Excellent price for the quality especially with BBQ season coming on. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO CARMENÈRE 2005 Concha y Toro is always super, Terrunyo category of wines is usually excellent, I expect this to be excellent too but not cheap – think cabby Zin or Zinny Cab to my pallet!. Score - 93. (Jay Miller,) $29.95
OZ
SALTRAM OF BAROSSA MAMRE BROOK CAB SAUV 2005 Always big and generous – this might be an Elderton in disguise, Doug. Score - 93. (James Halliday, too high ) $21.95
South Africa
THE WOLFTRAP 2007 A 60% Syrah, 39% Mourvèdre, 1% Viognier blend. Great price for the blend. Score - 88. (James Molesworth,) $13.95
France
PETIT MARS 2006 – this one reads like a beaut. Put it in the basement for 6 months or so to let it round out a bit.. Score - 91. (Kim Marcus) $23.95
CELLIER DES DAUPHINS RÉSERVE SAINT-MAURICE 2007- another Cotes du Rhone at a good price, from a great vintage, should be a good choice $14.95
Italy
SPORTOLETTI ASSISI ROSSO 2006 50% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Score - 90. (Antonio Galloni) $21.95
spain
LUNA BEBERIDE MENCÍA 2006 A Wine Enthusiast Best Buy. The second Mencia in a few months. Should be tasty and well priced! Score - 90. $17.95
The Tempranillo Focus
PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2007 – Can’t go wrong with the price $15.95
EL CURATO OLD VINES 2006 Ready to drink methinks Score - 89. (Josh Raynolds,) $19.95
LEALTANZA CRIANZA 2004 Drink it over the next 5-7 years. It is an excellent value in traditionally-styled Rioja. That means less oak and ripe fruit. Score - 90. (Jay Miller,)$19.95
Marqués de Cáceres ‘Gran Reserva’ 2001 Tempranillo with Garnacha and Graciano. Should be long and ageworthy but not cheap! $39.95
Yikes…some whites!
KIM CRAWFORD SP SPIT FIRE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2006 Might not be worth 5 bucks more than the Vintages Essential, but give it a try with some seafood to see. $24.95
ALAMOS TORRONTÉS 2007 a great value example of modern Torrontés ... should be very tasty as the weather warms up$13.95
And now the big $$$ ones
RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2006 Dry Creek Valley TASTING NOTE: (80% zinfandel, 16% petite sirah and 4% carignane) Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, $58.95
SEBASTIANI CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Alexander Valley Sebastiani’s $20 offering is always very very nice so I expect even more from this one! $39.95
CUVÉE DU VATICAN CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2006 Dark and winey, with currant paste, fig sauce, mocha, licorice and fruitcake notes carried by taut but fresh tannins. Long, solid finish. Drink now through 2023. Score - 91. (James Molesworth) $37.95
MARCARINI BAROLO LA SERRA 2004 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2022. Score - 91. (Antonio Galloni $64.95
LUCE DELLA VITE LA VITE LUCENTE 2006 IGT Toscana Rich and dense, yet balanced and refined. Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best after 2011. Score - 91. (James Suckling) $39.95
MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI CASTELGIOCONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2003DOCG Always an amazing wine from a terrific producer – the kind that make me question my wine price ceiling! But put it away for a few years! - 90. (James Suckling,) $54.95
TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2006 IGT Toscana Should be a smoking Super Tuscan Score - 92. (Antonio Galloni,) $64.95
Pintia 2005 If you must open now, open for 3 to 4 hours, otherwise, basement for years! See there's the diff between me and wine fanatics. Mine are in the basement, theirs are in the Wine Cellar.$64.95
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Vintages March 14 release - Few gems, methinks
Ontario whites are the focus along with Kosher wines. Forget the Kosher ones…Of the Ontari-ari-ario whites, let’s go with an unoaked Chard and a Pinot Grigio. For the rest of the release, I don’t see a lot to get too excited about, but I see desparation in the LCBO’s eyes, so more sales are going to be coming. I’ll be buying ones where I bought 3’s before!
DANIEL LENKO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
REIF ESTATE PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Should be tasty, and well priced. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer,) $17.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2006 – excellent producer, ready to drink now – terrific value -89 points, WS - A Pick!!!! $16.95
ZUCCARDI Q. TEMPRANILLO 2005 I’m not usually a tempranillo fan, but this could be good. Score - 88. (Tom Cannavan $18.95
TRICYCLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC 2007- well priced blend from chile $15.95
D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006- Always excellent, try it against the Spnish Grenache to compare styles - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2004Barossa, South Australia - not the WS top 100 vintage, but should be tasty. I’d buy a Bin 61 and a Wakefield for the same price though and have two great bottles instead of one! Score - 91. (Joe Czerwinski,) $37.95
LEASINGHAM BIN 61 SHIRAZ 2005 - A favourite of mine -A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Score - 95. (James Halliday, - James, maybe 91 but 95? No way!) $25.95
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Always good value at a great price - A Pick- $15.95
WATER WHEEL SHIRAZ 2006 – should be $14.95! not $18.95
YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2006 Big Barossa fruit - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
CASTEL OUALOU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – to my mind, the buy of the release -based on vintage data - at $13.95
DOMAINE DE LA PÉQUÉLETTE CUVÉE ÉMILE 2005 - Ready to drink $17.95
DOMAINE LA HAUTE MARONE GIGONDAS 2005 –I like Gigondas after a few years, unlike Vacqueyras which I like right away! Try one but put it in a dark spot for a while. $26.95
MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA 2006 - Sicily’s signature red – very good. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni) $16.95
BODEGAS ATECA ATTECA OLD VINES 2006 The 2006 Atteca is 100% Garnacha old-vines ranging from 80-120 years. This is the one to try against the D’Arenberg Grenache in a new world meets old faceoff Score - 91. (Jay Miller,) $22.95
DANIEL LENKO UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2006 $19.95
REIF ESTATE PINOT GRIGIO $16.95
DOÑA PAULA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 – Should be tasty, and well priced. Score - 88. (Stephen Tanzer,) $17.95
FAMIGLIA BIANCHI MALBEC 2006 – excellent producer, ready to drink now – terrific value -89 points, WS - A Pick!!!! $16.95
ZUCCARDI Q. TEMPRANILLO 2005 I’m not usually a tempranillo fan, but this could be good. Score - 88. (Tom Cannavan $18.95
TRICYCLO CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC 2007- well priced blend from chile $15.95
D'ARENBERG THE CUSTODIAN GRENACHE 2006- Always excellent, try it against the Spnish Grenache to compare styles - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SHIRAZ/MERLOT 2004Barossa, South Australia - not the WS top 100 vintage, but should be tasty. I’d buy a Bin 61 and a Wakefield for the same price though and have two great bottles instead of one! Score - 91. (Joe Czerwinski,) $37.95
LEASINGHAM BIN 61 SHIRAZ 2005 - A favourite of mine -A Gold Medal winner at the Sydney and Queensland Wine Shows in 2007, and at the Perth Wine Show in 2008. Score - 95. (James Halliday, - James, maybe 91 but 95? No way!) $25.95
WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 Always good value at a great price - A Pick- $15.95
WATER WHEEL SHIRAZ 2006 – should be $14.95! not $18.95
YALUMBA PATCHWORK SHIRAZ 2006 Big Barossa fruit - Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds,) $21.95
CASTEL OUALOU CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2007 – to my mind, the buy of the release -based on vintage data - at $13.95
DOMAINE DE LA PÉQUÉLETTE CUVÉE ÉMILE 2005 - Ready to drink $17.95
DOMAINE LA HAUTE MARONE GIGONDAS 2005 –I like Gigondas after a few years, unlike Vacqueyras which I like right away! Try one but put it in a dark spot for a while. $26.95
MORGANTE NERO D'AVOLA 2006 - Sicily’s signature red – very good. Score - 89. (Antonio Galloni) $16.95
BODEGAS ATECA ATTECA OLD VINES 2006 The 2006 Atteca is 100% Garnacha old-vines ranging from 80-120 years. This is the one to try against the D’Arenberg Grenache in a new world meets old faceoff Score - 91. (Jay Miller,) $22.95
Friday, February 27, 2009
Luigi Bosca Alert and comment re Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier
For those fans of the fabulous 2005 Luigi Bosca Malbec that was out in the late summer early fall, it's baaaaaack at selected LCBO locations. Check the website to find one near you. Thats the good news, the bad news is that it's about $17.95 this time around. This wine just begs you to fire up the BBQ and throw on a slab of red meat! It'll be fun to try the Bosca against the Vina Cobos Felino. The Felino is a couple of years younger so if you are going to try them head up, open it early to even the age difference.
Now the comment re the other W.o. M. - I'm hearing disconcerting news about the Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier. I've spoken to a couple of consultants and both said they couldn't taste it at their prerelease tastings. One said it was because her bottle was 'off', the second was in a different group and said their bottle was clearly corked. Not a good sign for a wine that I had high hopes for....buyer beware and if you buy it and it just doesn't taste right, it probably isn't. Be prepoared to return it.
Now the comment re the other W.o. M. - I'm hearing disconcerting news about the Occultum Lapidum from Chapoutier. I've spoken to a couple of consultants and both said they couldn't taste it at their prerelease tastings. One said it was because her bottle was 'off', the second was in a different group and said their bottle was clearly corked. Not a good sign for a wine that I had high hopes for....buyer beware and if you buy it and it just doesn't taste right, it probably isn't. Be prepoared to return it.
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