Vintages June 20th Release - Dad's Day and Malbecs

My Picks:
If I buy nothing else, I’ll buy the Concha y Toro Terrunyo. And I’ll buy as much as I can afford.
2005 Concha y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon - $29.95 – If you like The Vintages Essential Marques de Casa Concha and especially if you like Concha Y Toro’s now exorbitantly priced Don Melchor, buy this up! It is the best QPR cab coming out of Chile and maybe the best cab period in my opinion. If the label said Napa, it’d be $75 minimum!
2007 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec - $27.95 WS90 – Fabulous winemaker, gets the best from her grapes. Always full bodied, ripe and intense – the wines, not her.
2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec - $19.95 – Probably the best buy QPR wise among the Malbecs, should be lots of it.
2008 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $12.95 An annual favourite rose. I’ll buy more than a few.
2007 Domaine Galevan-Paroles de Femme Cotes du Rhone - $15.00 – Lots of it and well priced. Parker says 89 -90…might only be 86 but a terrific summer sipper with char-B-Q! (Not burnt Barbq but rather Charcouterie and or BarBQ – ahhh, BP you are so continental!)
2006 Valpantena Terre di Verona Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso - $17.95 – My sleeper pick, I’m going to try one and if I like it go back for more.

And as always, keep your eyes open for the biweekly Vintages sleeper sales. Anything that has not sold a certain % after so many weeks goes on markdown. Some substantial MD%’s for very good, but under appreciated wines!

ARGENTINA MALBEC SPOTLIGHT
2008 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec - $14.95 WS87 – The best bargain.
2006 Kaiken Ultra Malbec - $19.95 – Probably the best buy QPR wise among the Malbecs, should be lots of it.
2007 Dominio del Plata Susana Balbo Signature Malbec - $27.95 WS90 – Fabulous winemaker, gets the best from her grapes. Always full bodied, ripe and intense – the wines, not her.
2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Malbec - $39.95- RP94 – Hobbs in Napa, Vina Cobos in Argentina. Should be huge but give me 3 Susanas for two of these.
2006 Trapiche Broquel Malbec - $15.95– A toss up with the Altos las Hormigas for Best bargain.
2006 Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec - $24.95 –WS88
2006 Navarro Correas Alegoria Gran Reserva Malbec - $18.95 – IWC88
2008 Chakana Malbec - $13.95 – Always good.
2007 Michel Torino Estate Don David Reserve Malbec - $12.95 – Don’t know it, so a sleeper in the release. Might be the wine to have if you’re going to watch Clint in Gran …ahhh couldn’t resist…
Canada Day Feature
Gotta wave the flag! But where are the BC wines? Last time I looked, Ontario was NOT Canada, it was just part of Canada.
2006 Hidden Bench Terroir Cache Meritage - $34.00
2008 Henry of Pelham Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $14.95
FATHER’S DAY FEATURE – Just get me a gift certificate and let me pick my wines.
MAIN RELEASE
2005 Concha y Toro Terrunyo Vineyard Selection Cabernet Sauvignon - $29.95 see my picks!
2007 Domaine Galevan-Paroles de Femme Cotes du Rhone - $15.00 – see my picks
2006 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon - $19.95 – always very good
2005 Echevverria Family Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95 WS89 – always very good
2005 Greg Norman California Estates Cabernet Sauvignon - $24.95
2006 Clayhouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95
2004 Evans & Tate Shiraz - $19.95 WS88;
2005 Pierre Sourdais Cuvee Tradition Chinon - $20.95 DEC4
2005 Tenuta Cocci Grifoni Le Torri - $18.95 RP88
2006 Firriato Chiaramonte Nero d’Avola - $18.95 (1) WS88
2006 Fontodi Chianti Classico - $28.95 (1) RP91
2006 Valpantena Terre di Verona Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso - $17.95
The two Rose Picks:
2008 Peter Lehmann Rose - $15.95
2008 Mulderbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Rose - $12.95 My annual favourite rose. I’ll buy more than a few.
IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2005 Planeta Syrah - $39.00 90 plus points…terrific wine but it'll be hard to find.
The Big Buck Entries including a few ex VSO opportunities
2003 Clarendon Hills Moritz Syrah - $65.00 RP95; WS93; WE93; NW99;
2006 Petaluma Shiraz - $48.00
2005 Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95 RP92;
2006 Vina Cobos Bramare Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95 RP93; - see the Vina Cobos Malbec note earlier on…These would also be over $70 out of Napa. And a few years after the world economy turns around, they probably will be.
Ojai Thompson Vineyard Syrah - RP93+
J.J. Hahn 1928 Shiraz - $38.95 – RP91-93;
2004 John’s Blend Individual Selection No. 31 Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95
2005 Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon - $39.95
2003 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino - $59.95 –RP92

Vintages June 6th release - An Ironic release, not iconic, ironic

Ahhh, the LCBO and their fine sense of irony - That this would be a Burgundy focused release, yet the best pinot noir value and maybe the best Pinot Noir in it is an In Store Discovery from South America!

THE ROSE Picks – Will buy a few to compare to the Sandbanks rose that we enjoy so much, but I’ll also hold out for the Stellenbosch rose from South Africa in the next release.
2008 Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose - $12.30
2008 Thirteenth Street June’s Vineyard Cabernet Rose - $15.95
2008 Kim Crawford Pansy! Rose - $17.95 – really enjoyed it last year.

MAIN RELEASE
The Top Picks:
2006 Jim Barry The Lodge Hill Shiraz - $24.95 WS91/ RP90; / WE91; / 3 Golds – Luv this wine…usually very similar to and a wee bit better than Leasingham’s Bin 61. You cannot go wrong here but move fast.
2007 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon - $21.95 – Luv this wine and producer…the ’06 was a stealth release…this is the ’07 I think!
2006 Famiglia Bianchi Cabernet Sauvignon - $16. WE88 – in an apparent toss up with the Zolo, I’ll take the Famiglia Bianchi – less $$’s and it just never disappoints.
2003 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Merlot - $23.95 – Washington State, Ready to drink right now for sure, some age on it.
2005 Chateau de Serame Reserve du Chateau Minervois - $22.95 WS90 – Southern Rhone style from the Midi.
The best of the rest
2006 Catena Syrah - $19.95 – Quality producer on a real hot streak.
2007 Calafate Reserva Malbec - $16.95 –IWSC Silver(Best in Class) – stick with the Cabs from Argentina this time around. The Next Release has a Mr. Malbec feature.
2005 Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon - $18.95 RP88; in an apparent toss up, I’ll take the Famiglia Bianchi – it just never disappoints.
2006 Tabali Reserva Especial - $21.95 This is a proprietary blend that got Five Stars from Decanter and $22?! Gotta try one at least!
2006 Odfjell Armador Cabernet Sauvignon - $15.95: IWC88 – Another bargain cab!
2005 Glen Eldon Dry Bore Barossa Shiraz - $29.95 –RP91 – Nice wine, but too expensive. If you can find the Lodge Hill Shiraz, do!
2006 Wyndham Estate Founder’s Reserve Limestone Coast Shiraz / Cabernet - $23.95 –Gold medal winner

2006 Domaine Costa Lazaridis Amethystos Red - $24.95 WE90 – Having a Greek inspired BBQ? – Look no further for your wine!

Price is no Object
2004 Pio Cesare Barolo - $74.95 WS94; RP93; IWC92-93 – WS Top 100 number 6 – they’ll be lining up for it!
2005 Tardieu-Lurent Vieilles Vignes Chateauneuf-du-Pape - $84.95 – WS96; RP91-93 Would love to buy some but sorry, too much!
724336 – 2002 Peter Lehmann Mentor - $42.95– RP91
932400 – 2006 Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon - $63.95 –
2006 FOLEY RANCHO SANTA ROSA PINOT NOIR Score - 92 - $53.95 – Buy this if you want to spend big bucks on a Pinot.

IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2007 Cono Sur 20 Barrels Limited Edition Pinot Noir - $27.95 – might be the best Burgundy in the release…ironically, it’s Chilean!

May 23rd Vintages Release - New Zealand gets upstaged!

This is supposed to be a New Zealand release but......well I can just imagine the New Zealand Wine Producers showing up in the LCBO lobby to voice their opinions of it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmM7QeoCP1Y&feature=related


Meantime, back to the wines....

The 2 great Malbecs in this release tell me it must be close to time for a Malbec-fest. Perhaps after the Father’s Day release in June we’ll tee one up since that release has a Malbec feature. In the last two years I’ve had spectacular Malbec wines from Argentina and France (Cahors) and now Chile, and even California and Oz are getting into the act. There is a world of flavours to compare! What better way than grilling up a great slab of beef and going to it!

My Picks: Can’t go wrong with any of these: The Alta Vista and the Achaval Ferrer Malbecs, The Miss Harry GSM, The Angels Share, either of the Concha Y Toros, and the Mulderbosch Chardonnay.

Reds
2006 Alta Vista Grande Reserve Terroir Selection Malbec - $26.95 Past vintages had tremendous mouthfeel, and great flavours. But sadly, price wise this has really jumped. (Same thing here as with the Achaval Ferrer ISD). But still a 4 dollar savings on the Mendel Malbec which is also very good, just too much $$’s.

2007 Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz - $27.95 – WS Top 100 last year, should be excellent – a juicy, fruity , teeth staining monster
2006 Hewitson Miss Harry GSM - $19.95 Sub $20 for a wine both Parker and Tanzer gave 90 points to? Sign me up! This might be the buy of the release!
2006 Monte Zovo Superiore Ripasso - $19.95
2007 Ferngrove Frankland River Shiraz - $16.95 James Halliday’s 94 is everyone else’s 89-90. Don’t be misled. That said, this will be a sophisticated ( not so in your face) Shiraz from Oz. ( I know, kind of an oxymoron).
2007 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz - $27.95 Very solid wine. WS90
2005 William Cole Columbine Cab Sauv Res - $15.95 – Should be a very good cab from Chile – I think tragic high school every time I see the name – will skip it if only for that reason.
2006 Concha y Toro Marques Merlot - $19.95 – Always excellent for Merlot fans
2005 Temple Bruer Grenache/Shiraz/Viognier - $17.95 – Interesting blend of 2 reds and a white.
2005 Masi Brolo di Campofiorin - $24.95 – ripasso method, so fruity and rich.

Rose
2008 Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah - $16.95 – A rose from one of my favourite producers

Whites
2007 Concha y Toro ‘Casa Concha’ Chardonnay - $17.95 - probably the best white buy in the release.
2008 Malivoire Pinot Gris - $18.95 -224 cases of 12
2007 Kim Crawford SP Boyszone Pinot Gris - $24.95 – Small Plots Pinot Gris from a terrific producer
2005 Mulderbosch Stellenbosch Chardonnay or the Evans and Tate Chard from OZ - $20.95 WS90 – well priced from quality producers

The Big Batch of Bordeaux
This almost seems to be a mini 2005 Bordeaux release. Why the LCBO would choose to upstage New Zealand with this huge blast of big score/big price wines is beyond me unless of course they’re overbought on them…my guess is sales a coming on these bad boys, be patient.

1998 Chateau Le Caillou - $48.95 (Repeat of February 2, 2008 Release)
2005 Chateau L’Argenteyre - $24. Decanter 4
2005 Hauts de Pontet-Canet - $69.00
2005 Chateau Destieux - $69.00 (1) WS92 ; (2) RP93
2005 Clos Les Lunelles - $69.00 RP94
2005 Chateau Rauzan-Gassies - $73.00 RP92
2005 Chateau Lafon-Rochet - $69.00: RP90
2005 Chateau Grand Mayne - $79.00 RP93
2005 Chateay Lafon-Rochet - $69.00 RP90

IN STORE DISCOVERIES
2007 Achaval Ferrer Malbec - $27.95 – try to find this one, if you can but – buyer beware – its price is really inflated from a year or two ago. It was under $20 – now look! But, that’s what happens when your winery gets a big name.

Cape Mentelle Cabernet/Merlot - $28.95
2006 Two Hands Bull and Bear Shiraz/Cabernet - $45.95
Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf Mourre de Perdrix - $54.95
2005 Argiano Solengo - $88.95

Terroir, or The County has a Spring Wine Celebration

Spent a lovely day down in the county enjoying the local wineries with some wonderful foods to go with them...
The Highlights -
Cab Franc 2007 from Sandbanks...slow to open in the glass but it absolutley sang when paired with a ground lamb and bison ( or was it elk?) patty,
The Sandbanks Rose, wonderful as an aperitif, on a cool gray day it was terrific, I can just imagine it on a hot sunny one. All green apple-y, crushed strawberries on the nose with a hint of pink grapefruit.
Both absolutely terrific young wines....
6 year old cheddar cheese - gotta luv a cheese that bites back!
The " I thought it'd be like that but tried 'em again anyway"
Chadsey Cairns/ Closson Chase/ Norman Hardie - Pinot Noirs, I tried my best, but sorry, just don't get it - thin and light....
Huff Estates - Rose nice, pink grapefruit rose, especially on the backend ( really pink grapefruittttttty) and an OK Cab ( that's not to be confused with an oaky cab) that needs some air.
The "seemed like a good idea at the time"
Maple syrup flavoured cheddar - proof that combining two wonderful products, does not create a third wonderful product! Leave the cheese over here, and the syrup over there....

What have I had lateley?

A couple of Cali Cabs - the Rodney Strong that was just marked down from $33 to $26 by the LCBO was nice for $17. For what I paid, I thought it was still overpriced. However, it got a shaking and a rattling on the way home so I'm willing to chalk that one up to a minor case of bottleshock. I found this one lacking mouthfeel, and a little short. Flavours were black fruit with a hint of smoke, I have a couple more in the cellar for future. If they're better, I'll let you know. If they're not, I'll say stick with one of these $17-22 South American cabs and you'll be happier: Montes Alpha, Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha or for a bargain and if you can find it grab the Familia Bianchi.

Deloach Cabernet(Napa) from the LCBO regular list - Beppi Crossariol liked it a few weeks ago so I thought " $15, what's to lose?" It's a nice 'crowd of people, bbq, backyard, sitting around wanting a glass that might turn into 3 glasses' kinda wine. Black Fruit, not tannic, a little thin, but nothing offensive there at all. But this is where 'buyer beware' kicks in. Some of the Vintages products that are on sale for 2 or 3 bucks more are twice the wine now and the disparity will be even more in 3 or 4 years .

Ho hum, Another week, another stealthy little sale!

Some more good ones have been reduced at the LCBO – among them, a Hess Cab from California which is still over-priced, Faith Shiraz which I find terrific always, a Coriole Shiraz, A GSM with a metallic gold label but don't hold that against it, and a Spanish Tempranillo that got 90 points from Parker and Tanzer…but only 85 from the WS. Follow this link to the list:

http://winething13.webs.com/may112009delist.htm

Vintages May 02 Release - very nice!

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,)