Vintages Release Report December 6, 2014 - we hit 50,000 page views!

Thanks to all the readers out there. This week we surpassed the 50,000 visitors mark. 

  

Here we are – the final  Vintages release of the year. The previous release had some very tempting entries and if you broke your bank to buy some of them you may be disappointed in yourself this time around. I must say it was almost worth a paid admission last week to see the folks lined up at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning for the 2010 Pontet Canet @ $250 and the Faustino 1 at about $40!  Ahhhh,  first world problems, aren’t they grand?

Back to this release, there are some well priced wines in this one. Argentina and South Africa lead the charge among the reds. Two malbecs - One under $20 and the other at almost $40 look very good as do the two South African blends.  After that, I’ll leave the selections to your palate. Any and all of the wines listed below should bring you pleasure. 

REDS

ARGENTINA – Bring on the medium rare prime rib for any of the following 4 – if you’re in the market for a malbec, this is the order I’d pick them in

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2012   1199 $19.95 – Balbo has been a fave for quite some time and a real rarity in the macho world of Argentina winemaking.

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2011   647 cases $18.95 

CLOS DE LOS SIETE 2011   630 cases $21.95 – Michel Rolland’s (and 6 others ) investment has taken on some age now. 

CICCHITTI GRAN RESERVA MALBEC 2004  300 cases $22.95 – Note the year, this has some age on it now and an old review from the no longer active Jay Miller.

SOUTH AFRICA

MULDERBOSCH FAITHFUL HOUND 2011    167  cases $19.95 – A WS Top 100 Pick this year, this is always a pleasant wine. A fine Bordeaux blend for prime rib, there are so many from which to choose this week but this was among my top picks.

ERNIE ELS BIG EASY 2012 279 cases $19.95 – A kitchen sink blend with Rhone varieties sharing centre stage with Cabernet Sauvignon.

MIDI

DOMAINE DE BILA-HAUT OCCULTUM LAPIDEM 2012 (M. Chapoutier)   913 cases $24.95- Lots going on here. Black fruit, licorice,  some herbiness. Needs some time to let it all settle down and then will be excellent . It’ll age like a Gigondas given the right cellar climate.

AUSTRALIA

DOMAINE TERLATO & CHAPOUTIER SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2012   1199 cases $23.95 – Another of Chapoutier’s global wine holdings, not so in your face as the Dandelion.

DANDELION VINEYARDS LIONESS OF MCLAREN VALE SHIRAZ 2012   1198 cases $19.95 – A big, black fruited, peppery mouthful.  

WAKEFIELD JARAMAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   383 cases $24.95  - The bottle image has the look of Idi Amin with  all those medals but Wakefield is a terrific producer of well priced wines.

TUSCANY

IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2006   997 cases $23.95 – Nicely aged and from a terrific vintage. With food, excellent.

SPAIN

In the mood for a Spanish wine? Try some of the Finca El Encinal 2010 from last release. And Doug says if you can find the Bordon from Oct.25^th, buy it.

 CALIFORNIA

RUTHERFORD RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   1299 cases $22.95 – A very pleasant unpretentious  cabernet.   

WASHINGTON STATE

 POMUM SHYA RED 2008   209 cases $24.95  - New to me. I might have to try one.

WHITES and BUBBLIES

Lots of inexpensive bubbles this time around! Try the Mumm Napa from the general list too – very good around $26.

JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT 2011   239 cases  of 6 $22.95 

PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE   151 cases $17.95 

CAVE DE RIBEAUVILLÉ GIERSBERGER BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE   648 cases $19.95 

ALBERT BICHOT BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE   359 cases  of 6 $21.95 

FREIXENET ELYSSIA GRAN CUVÉE BRUT CAVA   489 cases  of 6 $19.95 

MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2009   611 cases  $21.95 

 JACKSON-TRIGGS DELAINE CHARDONNAY 2012   55 cases of 6 $24.95  

DOMAINE LOUIS MOREAU CHABLIS 2013   399 cases $24.95   

BIG BUCKS

TRAPICHE VINA JORGE MIRALLES TERROIR SERIES SINGLE  VINEYARD  497 cases  of 6 $39.95 – Within a release or two this seems to be the annual spot for this wine.  A single vineyard wine, very well made, for that special prime rib roast or steak. The same vintage was available last year at the same price. It would have been nice to try one of the other of Trapiche’s single vineyard releases but that would necessitate some work  by  the LCBO buyer I guess.  Too much to hope for? Apparently.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA DIRECTOR'S CUT CABERNET   449 cases $36.95 – I like this wine but it’s too much this time around.

ELDERTON ODE TO LORRAINE CABERNET   467 cases  of 6 $39.95  -Last release was a disappointment. Very thin, I almost thought I was pouring an old world Bordeaux blend.

LADIES WHO SHOOT THEIR LUNCH SHIRAZ 2012 (Fowles Wines)   479 of 6 $35.95 – Well marketed, well made.

Want a Canuck Christmas wine? Try either of these –

LAUGHING STOCK BLIND TRUST RED 2012     110 cases $37.95 

BURROWING OWL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011      167 cases $44.95 

MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2011   249 cases  of 6 $62.95  - What was an annual treat for me is over my price threshold now.

BERINGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   501 cases $49.95  - Good wine, bad vintage.

CORTE PAVONE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008   398 cases  of 6  $49.95  

CAPRILI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   209 cases $44.95  

CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011   199 cases $44.95  

CHÂTEAU DE LA GARDINE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   300 cases $39.95  

DOMAINE DU GRAND TINEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010   199 cases $49.95  

Vintages November 22nd release - another year come and gone almost

November 22, 2014 is usually Vintages Best of the Best release. After the most recent release this one has a lot to atone for and at first glance it does so. From the sub $20’s (barely) to the multi hundred $’s, there is something for most wallets and reasonably good prices and bottles across all price points. Herein, I’ve tried to pick all the ones that are worthy of your consideration. Anything in the triple digits has been ignored – why would I tempt myself?

Whites and Bubblies

BURGUNDY

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BORGOGNE   599 cases $19.95  - Looking for a rose champagne?  Save your bucks and dive into this as a stand in. Great with brunch, popcorn, salmon (gravlax, smoked or planked) or just because your palate needs awakening.

 DOMAINE DE FUSSIACUS VIEILLES VIGNES POUILLY-FUISSÉ 2012  179 cases $27.95 or ALAIN GEOFFROY BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012  299 cases $29.95  – I know it’s Christmas time, but how about a Chardonnay throw down? One of these two from Burgundy, a Hamilton Russell if you have one, the Clos Jordanne and maybe one of Stormin’ Norman’s creations from the county.  

 VENETO

BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE 548  cases of 6 $18.95

REDS

AUSTRALIA

 D'ARENBERG THE HIGH TRELLIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   447 cases $19.95 – An under rated cabernet and well priced.

GRANT BURGE THE HOLY TRINITY  2011 -  498 cases of 6 $29.95  - As close to a CdP as you’ll find from Australia. Will age well for a few years and is priced close  to where it should be.

WOLF BLASS GOLD LABEL CABERNET $24.95 – From Coonawara, this traditional Aussie  cab shows eucalyptus, black fruit and some hints of licorice.

CHILE

SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL GRAN RESERVA CABERNET  798 cases $17.95 – Age worthy, great with roasted or grilled beef or lamb. More loamy -greens and brown flavours in with the black fruit - than the High Trellis or the Wolf Blass.

WASHINGTON STATE

SEVEN FALLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON2011 - $19.95 – Think of it as an H3 in slightly different clothes. ‘Smart Buy’ earlier this year in the WS, less smart in Ontario due to the LCBO’s pricing.

MIDI

NOSTRE PAÏS COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2012 (Michel Gassier)  237 cases $21.95 – This is the middle priced of the three Costieres de Nimes in the release. Perhaps miscategorized for some nefarious reason, I would have thought this should be with the Rhone entries since other offerings in this release are categorized there. Since 2004 Costieres de Nimes has been in the Rhone. Per Wikipedia, the move of Costières de Nîmes to the regional committee of the Rhône valley was effected in the 19 July 2004 version.  Up until the version of 8 July 1998, which the 2004 version superseded, Costières de Nîmes was assigned to the regional committee of Languedoc-Roussillon.

RHÔNE

LES HALOS DE JUPITER COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 2012  594 cases $16.95 – Same Costieres de Nimes, excellent producer, much better price!

CHÀTEAU DE NAGES JT COSTIÉRES DE NÎMES 2012   238 cases $24.95  - Another Costieres de Nimes but this one knows from whence it came. Also the most expensive.

GRANDS SERRES LES HAUTES VACQUIERES VACQUEYRAS 2012  400 cases $24.95 – I never miss a chance to recommend a Vacqueyras.

M. CHAPOUTIER PETITE RUCHE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012  196 cases $24.95 – From younger vines surrounding the renowned Hermitage, expect this to be ready sooner. Made with no exposure to oak, it’ll show pure syrah fruit.

PERRIN L'ANDÉOL RASTEAU 2012  443 cases $19.95 – Among the better of the lesser named villages in the Cotes du Rhone Villages, the Perrin family does everything right.

PIEDMONT

PAOLO CONTERNO BRICCO BARBERA D'ALBA 2013   329 cases $19.95

TUSCANY

PALAZZO VECCHIO MAESTRO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO   299 cases $24.95

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010  1198 cases $21.95

SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010   297 cases $27.95

SPAIN

 FINCA CONSTANCIA ALTOS DE LA FINCA 2011   576 cases of 6 $21.95

FINCA EL ENCINALCRAINZA 2010 -$17.95 – 94 points from a panel at Wine and Spirits – my opinion of the wine is not quite that high, but for the price and with tapas or roasted or grilled meats it does come alive.

BODEGA DIVINA PROPORCIÓN MADREMIA 2011   167 cases $29.95 – Don’t spend  your money here. I guess the LCBO thinks we won’t calculate the exchange rate – 15 euros  equal $21.30 Cdn.

BIG BUCKS

FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA 2001 12 748 $35.95 – 13 years old and a Decanter number one wine from last year, this was gobbled up earlier this year and I expect the same to happen again. Not a fruit bomb  but even now redolent of red berries, backed by tannins and acid this wine has plenty of stuffing to continue to age gracefully.  Perhaps the buy of the release.

LE CLOS JORDANNE VILLAGE RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2011   309 cases of 6 $30.00  - 5 cents less and it doesn’t get stuck here with the big boys. Too bad.

CUNE GRAN RESERVA 2008   996 cases of 6 $39.95 – Already 6 years old but will be better if aged for a few more, if you can keep your hands off it. A quality Rioja from a quality producer.

TWO HANDS BELLA'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2012   299 cases of 6 $63.95  - Now back in its sweet spot  points wise (the mid 90’s), Micheal Twelftree and this wine epitomize  everything good about Oz wine. This was the #16 wine in this year’s WS Top 100 Wines. 

BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ 2008   79 cases of 6 $89.95 – Huge, brilliant wine but you do have to love those big boys and have lots of $$’s.

CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   249 cases $89.95 – Among the finer CdP’s every year, this’ll need at least 7 years to open up, and probably more like 10.

DOMAINE DE VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE TÉLÉGRAMME CHÂTEAUNEUF    149 cases $49.95 – Vieux Telegraphe’s first wine has gotten crazy price wise (into  Beaucastel territory) so this  their 2^nd cru is available. There are better CdP’s around for the $$’s.

LA VITE LUCENTE 2012 (Luce Della Vite) Luce Della Vite   248 cases $34.95 – Luce’s second wine.

TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2011  299 cases $34.95 – James Suckling gave this 95 points, everyone else gave it 90. You be the judge – I think the lower score is a better indication of the wine.

BREZZA SARMASSA BAROLO 2009 139 cases $49.95 – Tremendous score for a very age worthy wine.

FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008  247 cases $49.95 – Well made, slightly more fruit forward yet still a traditional Brunello.

A couple of ISD’s which you may or may not be able to find:

MEERLUST RUBICON 2008 - $33.95 – a South African Bordeaux blend that really delivers. 

CASTELLO DI NIPPOZANNO VIGNETO MONTESODI RISERVA  CHIANTI RUFINA 2010 $49.95 – Priced in Brunello territory, this is a fine vintage of a rarely available wine.  Needs time.

November's First release is a bit of a dud....

I just checked the calendar. It is November 1^st not April 1^st !!!! Yet here we are, with about 7 wines   recommended from this entire release!  Seems like a cruel joke - how can we be at this late time in the year and only be recommending 7 wines (with an average price of about $35.00)?  Because, just because.

Next week I’ll take a look at the Vintages Christmas gifts – but they are less inviting! than last year and last year was not a great year.

WASHINGTON STATE

CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE INDIAN WELLS CABERNET SAUVIGNON     335 cases $25.95  - Roast beef, roast pork, steaks? I expect this to be very good and one of the best buys  in this release.  It is ready to drink now with spice, cedar, currant notes, but flavours will age on the short term into more oaky vanilla and black cherry.

ARGENTINA

Argentina appears to be the Spain of this release, with quality across a number of price points. The two sub $20 wines are both very good for the money but my recommendation from the release is:

Manos Negras Malbec Atrevida 2010 - $22.95 – Should be right in its drinking window.  It behooves you to pair with anything with hooves (and then hoover it down). Look for this phrase next year in Vintages.

SPAIN

ALVARO PALACIOS CAMINS DEL PRIORAT 2013 321 cases $24.95 – Very young, so give it some time.

VIÑA REAL ORO RESERVA 2009   449 cases of 6  $29.95  - Almost a pick.  Almost.

BIG BUCKS

Expensive for Argentina so it’s in the big bucks, FINCA FLICHMAN DEDICADO 2011 $29.95 – Apparently produced only in exceptional years, this blend reflects the quality that can be achieved. Ageworthy but also ready to drink with some air and some red meat.  I’ll spring for one for that prime rib roast.

CHILE

CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO VINEYARD SELECTION CABERNET  2010 335 cases of 6  $34.95 – Among my favourite Cab Sauvs. To my palate and especially to my wallet this is a better buy than C y T’s  flagship Don Melchor as it is very close to just  as good most years.  

ONTANON GRAN RESERVA 2001   200 cases $39.95

LE VIEUX DONJON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012     148 cases $63.95  - If I were to buy one it would be  just to keep a vertical alive.

Italy and Chile on Oct. 25th - Bring your wallet!

How can you tell we are into the home stretch for another Vintages year? Because in spite of the inclusion of two “Food and Drink” $17 specials in the release the big $ choices far outnumber the under $30 selections.   The big feature of this week’s release is an upper middle class of Tuscan wines. Oooops sorry, make that ‘Tuscan Treasures’.  It seems the LCBO’s misguided marketing manager associated with and answerable for all alliteration allocations is back. (With Tuscan Treasures to tipple as treats to your tastebuds!).

 Touché!

The second feature is Chile. So many wines that could have been included but weren’t. Ah well.

It’s quite early so I might make a few additions or subtractions – check back closer to the release date for the final picks.

My Top Pick is a Chianti Classico Riserva from Cestello D'Albola ARGENTINA

ALAMOS SELECCION MALBEC 2012 $16.95 -  Above average quality for the price.

CHILE

MORANDÉ GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   2399 cases $17.00 – Look for the typical   Chilean aroma and flavour  profile - earthy with some green notes backed by cassis and black cherry.

EMILIANA COYAM 2011   138 cases $29.95  - An unusual blend of grapes find their way into this biodynamic wine. Most to least syrah, carmenere, merlot, cab sauv, mourvedre and malbec are all included in the mix.   Expensive but different.

 RHÔNE

FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2012   249 cases $24.95 – On its own or with almost any   meal this should be great. I’d recommend it regardless.

TUSCANY

CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA  CASTELLO D'ALBOLA RISERVA 2008 at $22.95 this is a 3 Glass winner from Gambero Rosso.  Counter balancing that is a very good but not quite as good score from Wine Spectator's Bruce Sanderson. That  tells me that you should buy one, try it and then go back for more if it meets your palate's criteria for fine wine.
ROCCA DI CASTAGNOLI CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011   2497 cases $17.00  - Pizza, spaghetti, burgers? It’s  a food wine.

RUFFINO MODUS 2011   797 cases $29.95  -  Usually a  James Suckling favourite

LEONARDO CHIANTI RISERVA 2010     698 cases $19.95 – Another food wine. 

WASHINGTON ST.

COLUMBIA CREST GRAND ESTATES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 838 cases $17.95 – Barely $10 in the US, this is considered good QPR for the LCBO and that is shameful!

SPAIN

BORDON GRAN RESERVA 2005 - $22.95 – Nine years old and in its prime. Expect delicate tannins and fruit to accompany any tapas you can imagine.

BIG BUCKS – aka Little Italy this week!

SOFFOCONE DI VINCIGLIATA 2011 from Bibi Graetz   An ISD  in the release so not many bottles and at not many stores.  At $34.95 this wine isn’t cheap but given some time it’ll be the perfect thing to accompany a homemade wild boar ragu over pasta or a slow roasted porcetta. Two or Three glasses of this overlooking the Arno made me a convert. Thank goodness it was before my cold set in as it was memorable.   I’ll let you google the origins of the name of the wine and then as a joke you can complain to your MPP about the LCBO promoting vulgarity and loose morals and having lost sight of their social responsibility mandate. In keeping with the name of this wine and the way they blow budgets, it’s time for a new head at the LCBO (a double (or is that triple?) entendre made more amusing when you realize the current one’s name is Bob Peters)! But do be careful  if you have to ask for this wine. Knowing how politically and socially correct Ontario is, you may be charged with sexually harassing your local Vintages consultant.  

   

GIACOSA BUSSIA BAROLO 2009   298 cases $39.95 cases 

POGGIOTONDO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2009   448 cases $36.95 

TENUTA SAN GUIDO GUIDALBERTO 2012   191 cases of 6 $52.95 

 ORNELLAIA 2011   Tenuta dell'Ornellaia   442 cases of 6  $189.95  - Too rich for my blood.

  LIVIO SASSETTI PERTIMALI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007   299 cases $45.95  - A great vintage in Brunello.

 POGGIO VERRANO CHANCE 2006   297 cases of 6   $37.95  - A new one for me to try perhaps.

 AVIGNONESI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2011   162 cases $35.95  - Consistent quality.

And now from the rest of the world

DOMAINE DU VIEUX TÉLÉGRAPHE LA CRAU CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012 219 cases $96.95  - This has gotten crazy price wise. I bought the 2004 release  for $40 something! Is it really that much better than two Usseglios? 

DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO ET FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE  2010  219 cases $45.95 – Spectacular vintage in the Southern Rhone. This looks like a bargain next to the Vieux Télégraphe above.

 PASCUAL TOSO ALTA MALBEC 2011   200 cases of 6   $33.95 – Should only be $29.95 but is good enough to still recommend it.

 BURROWING OWL MERLOT 2011   278 cases $40.95  - Nationalistic choice of the week.

PENFOLDS BIN 407 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 199 cases of 6  $44.95 – Penfold’s strategy to settle into the upper price points continues.

Better than a turkey of a release in honour of Thanksgiving

Ahhh,  the October 11^th,  release. By the time these wines are made available turkey day will be just a few short days (or hours) away. The release features Sonoma and Piedmont but unless you’re spending big bucks I’ve pretty much ignored both of them. My opinion is that better value can be found in wines from regions of Spain, the Southern Rhone, and Oz this time around. As is usually the case, each of the following wines are good now  but will improve if left in a cool dark place for  at least 6 months to a year.

SPAIN

 BORSAO TRES PICOS GARNACHA 2012   $19.95 – This is not your typical Spanish tempranillo. Why? Because it’s 100% Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) and is always very good. Produced in a modern style the black and red raspberry notes come to the front but are supported by soft but present tannins.   

 MURIEL GRAN RESERVA 2004   $24.95 – The recent release of the 2008 reserva from Muriel was highly prized by the Decanter tasting panel and by yours truly.  This time around it’s their Gran Reserva. From a better vintage than the ‘08 and with 10 years on it but less than $25 if you like the flavour profile of mature Spanish Rioja wines, this’ll be for you.

RHÔNE

 FERRATON PÈRE & FILS SAMORËNS CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2012   $14.95 – An OK price.  Great with anything from roast chicken to grilled steak.

DOMAINE CLOS DE SIXTE LIRAC 2011 - $24.95 – Annually a favourite from this slightly underappreciated village in the Southern Rhone. A quality producer and excellent short to mid term ager. I had a 2010 a week or so ago.  It was very good – dark red and black fruits, hints of licorice, a touch of kirsch and just a wee bit of herbiness all backed by still present tannins.  I expect the ’11 to be even more approachable.

LES HALOS DE JUPITER VACQUEYRAS 2010   $27.95 – A superior producer and a better to best vintage.  Not cheap for a Vacqueyras but perhaps worth it.

 BRUNEL DE LA GARDINE CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012   $23.95 – Smoked meat, hints of barnyard and black fruit. With some age it’ll taste better than it sounds. 

AUSTRALIA

There are 3  sub $20 Aussies for consideration this week  - CHÂTEAU TANUNDA BAROSSA TOWER SHIRAZ 2011 $18.95, ELDERTON FRIENDS SHIRAZ 2011 $17.95 and  the D'ARENBERG D'ARRY'S ORIGINAL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2010 at $19.95.

PIRRAMIMMA SHIRAZ 2011   $24.95- Shiraz fans with an ever so slightly more subdued and perhaps intricate palate will enjoy the always fine Pirramimma Shiraz. This is about the worst score I can recall it receiving from a professional reviewer- this vintage was nothing to write home about – but in spite of that I think this wine will acquit itself quite well.    

THE CONTRADICTION GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MOURVÈDRE 2010   $24.95 – A new GSM for me to try.

SALTRAM MAMRE BROOK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   $27.95  A cab that’ll need some time – and if you must buy a cab, try the John Merriman for a few bucks less.

 CHILE

SAN PEDRO 1865 SINGLE VINEYARD  CARMENERE 2011 - $19.95 – A WOM and good value.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

 NK'MIP CELLARS MERLOT 2011   $24.95 – Nationalists take note, the wine is from among the best vineyard locations in the Okanagan, owned and produced by native Canadians working with Randy Picton and is first rate. Black fruit and mocha notes abound.

SOUTH AFRICA

 RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2011   $24.95 – A heads up tasting with the Mamre Brook would make for an interesting comparison.

 CATHEDRAL CELLAR SHIRAZ 2011 (KWV)   $15.95 – Always a solid bargain.

BIG BUCKS

ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ 2010   $39.95  - Disappointed because you missed out on the Ebenezer?  Go for this.   Impenetrable colour, black berry and cherry fruit, and white pepper.

CONCHA Y TORO TERRUNYO PEUMO VINEYARD BLOCK 27   $34.95  -  Carmenere  can be terrific wine. Once thought to be merlot, turns out it wasn’t, this has become Chile’s differentiator and its signature grape.  Roast up some animal protein and try this with it. BUT…Never mind this carmenere, when is the Concha Y Toro Terrunyo Cabernet  going to reappear on the Vintages shelves?

SORBERO CIABOT TANASIO Barolo 2009 - $37.95 – An excellent Barolo and great addition to the release. Lay it down and forget it for some time.

CASCINA DARDI BUSSIA BAROLO 2007 - $35.95 – 93 points from Galloni. Lay it down and forget it for slightly less time.

DECOY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   $33.95

RIDGE LYTTON SPRINGS 2012   $52.95 

RODNEY STRONG RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010   $59.95  

Vintages Sept 27th - Groundbreakers herald the coming of fall

Gadzooks! Autumn will have arrived before the bottles for this release reach the floor. This release also signals the continuing (or is that continuous?) rise in Vintages prices culminating with the preChristmas releases a few months from now. The proof is in the recommendations – lots of big, bold reds and fewer lightweight whites and roses  but only one wine under $20!  

This week features New World Groundbreakers , Portugal, and Thanksgiving,. That first one is the big feature of the release.  The LCBO spells Groundbreakers ‘ Big Bucks’.

My early opinion is that this’ll be a great release for fans of Australian red wines and both the Washington Smiths should be good.  

Another note. This is a special release of many 2011 Vintage Ports. The year was superb and the prices reflect it. If you buy some and if you are of a certain age, your children and perhaps your grand children will drink very well to your memory because these’ll keep for years and years and years.

AUSTRALIA

TWO HANDS ANGELS' SHARE SHIRAZ 2012 349 cases $25.95 -  A well priced, always excellent Aussie Shiraz. 

JIM BARRY THE LODGE HILL SHIRAZ 2012   600 cases $26.95 Disregard Halliday’s 95 points. The wine is perennially very good but not 95 points good. If you are a fan of the old Bin 61, this wine’ll match the early to mid-2000’s closely.

MOJO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 $18.95 – 800 cases and finally one to recommend under $20! James Halliday really seems to have liked this one but remember, he’s never met a bottle of Oz wine that he didn’t adore.  This one  is from Coonawarra home to many an iconic cab and you can expect cassis and mint or is that eucalyptus? Throw a rack of  lamb on the bar-b or a leg of lamb in the oven.

SOUTH AFRICA

 MEERLUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - 110 cases $29.95  - Big S.A. cabernet fruit in a ripe and yet understated (well, not over the top, well ok sort of a restrained new world/old world style but not quite, hmm how about ‘like a Coonawarra cab in a strait jacket?’ ) wine.

FRANCE

 DOMAINE BRUSSET TRADITION LE GRAND MONTMIRAIL GIGONDAS 2012 - $29.95 – You know me and my predilection for Southern Rhone blends.

I’m getting into white Burgundies a lot lately (Thanks to Norman H., his pizza oven, a warm day and good friends. You know who you are.) so if I was to buy any this time around, I’d  expect these two to be very nice.  At this price they should be!

  BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MONTAGNY 1ER CRU 2011 139 cases $29.95 

  JEAN-MARC BROCARD VAU DE VAY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012   200 cases $29.95 

 WASHINGTON STATE

 CHARLES SMITH BOOM BOOM! SYRAH 2013 166 cases $21.95 – Charles Smith’s wines are easily identifiable with their bold print and stark black and white labels. It is clear he doesn’t take wine or himself too seriously.  This is a big wine that stands up nicely to medium rare roast prime rib of beef.

 CHATEAU SMITH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012  447 cases $23.95  - Look for the typical Washington profile of cassis and cloves with some cedar notes.

HORSEPOWER PROPRIETARY RED BLEND 2009  $21.95  – A kitchen sink blend of whatever was available it would seem.  Syrah, Barbera, Malbec, Petit Verdot,  and Mourvedre seems an odd lot but somehow it works. This’ll be a tasty wine for nontraditionalists, to be sure.

CALIFORNIA

  NAPA CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012  2014 cases of 6 $25.95  - Lots of cases of a good solid crowd pleaser.

BIG BUCKS

 DOMAINE DES MALANDES CÔTES DE LÉCHET CHABLIS 1ER CRU -$35.95 – Another white Burgundy – this one is an ISD  so only 49 cases.

DOMAINE JEAN DEYDIER ET FILS LES CLEFS D’OR  CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE 2010 - $44.95 – A late arrival to the LCBO Vintages scene from the wonderful 2010 vintage. Worth a plunge if you want a wine to forget about for some time before opening on a special occasion.

From here on you better have a fat wallet because there are lots of big boys! Barring a lottery win, I will not be buying any of these but will recommend them nonetheless for anyone who has a reason to splurge.

MORE FROM OZ

JOHN DUVAL PLEXUS SHIRAZ/GRENACHE/MOURVÈDRE 2009   99 cases of 6  $49.95 – Expensive but think of it as a slightly more fruit forward Chateauneuf.

TWO HANDS LILY'S GARDEN SHIRAZ 2012 249 cases of 6 $56.95 – Always among the best wines from Two Hands and better than the 2011. If I was to break my own rule and spring for an over $50 big buck wine in this release, this’d be it. Spoiler alert – I expect to see this in the WS Top 100, maybe even Top 10.

SOME CALIFORNIA BIGGIES

CAYMUS 40^TH ANNIVERSARY CAB SAUV 2012 - $68.95 – Well above my own self imposed price ceiling. Watch out for the Range Rover traffic jam trying to load up on it.

IRONSTONE RESERVE ESTATE GROWN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 400 cases of 6 $36.95 – A notch up for this solid producer. 

SHAFER ONE POINT FIVE –$93.95 - A Napa treat.  Where’s that damn lottery ticket? I think this has gone up in price by 10 bucks since a certain youthful Italian Stallion turned 50!

STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 279 cases of 12. $64.95 –Look around for the 1500 ml of the 2011 available from last Christmas for well under $100. Do the math and save a few bucks if you must buy this wine.

ARGENTINA

 CATENA ALTA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   70 cases of 6 $45.95 – A wonderful expression of Cab Sauv from Argentina. A Top flight producer and an ageworthy wine.

CATENA ALTA MALBEC 2011 269 cases of 6 $49.95 – Among the best of Argentina’s signature grape from any producer at any price.

A LONELY CLASSIC ITALIAN

MARCHESI DE' FRESCOBALDI MORMORETO 2010   39 cases of 6 -  $63.95 – An ISD, so this one’ll be in short supply and high demand. A super Tuscan if ever there was one, this is priced out of my wallet so I’m not worried.

  

Vintages last release of the summer aka pages and pages of nothing to buy!

The first release of September  heralds the coming of fall, something we all know that the LCBO prices will never do. This release features Ontario wines, and oh what a feature it is! 18 pages of text before we see our first bottle of wine.  Wine must (See what I did there? I do love a good double entendre.) be a long way behind pulp and paper in the Ontario economy!  As well, this week has a tiny feature on  Vino Nobile de Montepulciano.  A somewhat underappreciated Tuscan village, Montepulciano   produces some very good wines, some amazing views, and some very full Canadian tourists. (Still sorry we missed that one!)

An interesting side note, the best Montepulciano in the release might not be a Vino Nobile but rather one from Abruzzo. No they are not the same wines nor are they from the same village.

The release itself has a few standouts especially if hunting down Top 100 wines is your thing.

In no particular order, here are my picks:

OZ

PIRRAMIMMA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011   511 cases $24.95 –Among the better Aussie Cabs we see each year. This vintage wasn’t great but the winemaker’s talent shines through.

CHILE

NINQUÉN ANTU CHILEAN MOUNTAIN VINEYARD SYRAH 2012 651 cases $17.95 Big chocolate and black fruit flavours – every year a good buy. Needs a bit of time to integrate the oak though.

 RHÔNE

DOMAINE GRANDY VACQUEYRAS 2012   299 cases $19.95 Well priced for a Vacqueyras. Buy it and leave it for 6 months to a year.

PUGLIA

COPPI  PEUCETICO PRIMITIVO 2007 - $13.95 – Looking for a bargain? Here’s the one I’d pick from the release. Well aged, it’ll be soft, fruity and good to go with any casual Italian meal.

ABRUZZO

BARBA I VASARI Montepulciano D'Abruzzo 2009- $19.95 - 3 of 3 from Gambero Rosso. Hard to beat that rating and that price!
TUSCANY
ANTICO COLLE VINO NOBILE DE MONTEPULCIANO 2010- $26.95- Ranked in the Wine Enthusiast  Top 100 last year, this wine will provide a tasty counterpoint to tagliata. Give it some time to come around.

PICCINI CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2007 699 cases $19.95 Right in its drinking window now, this one is from a very good vintage and is well priced as well.

WASHINGTON STATE

 REININGER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012   167 cases $21.95  To quote the winemaker ”This cab is not the boisterous seat at the dinner party. Rather it is the captivating, intriguing, humble guest that you want to stay the night.” Sounds good to me. Look for aromas of cassis, chocolate and some sandalwood that’ll evolve on the palate into cassis and cherry flavours.

Ontario - PEC

ROSEHALL RUN 2011 COUNTY CHARDONNAY 111 cases $21.95. Norman Hardie is just up Greer Rd and his impact is felt stylistically here. You can expect bracing acidity and a real Chablis style. Need something to kickstart  your saliva glands? Here it is.

SPAIN

DOMINIO DE TARES CEPAS VIEJAS MENCIA 2009   238 cases $29.95 – Number 8 among the Decanter Top 50 wines of the year for 2013. The growth of the Mencia grape is pretty much restricted to one small D.O. in Spain called Bierzo.  Bierzo comprises a tiny 3000 sq. Kms of Spain’s total of just over 505,000sq.Kms. Past reviews have seen me describe the grape as Pinacherah. (Hints of Pinot Noir, Grenache and Syrah). YMMV.

Big Bucks

MANUS DEI DU CHÂTEAU SIXTINE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2011   149 cases $39.95  - Just because.

VILLA I CIPRESSI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007   169 cases $51.95 Another Tuscan from a terrific vintage – not cheap though.

LA RIOJA ALTA VIÑA ARDANZA RESERVA 2004 218 cases $39.95 Very well produced. Lots of age on it already too.  #22 in the WS Top 100 last year.