March 5 Release - Let's just tear out the first half, throw it away and go bargain hunting (relatively speaking) from the rest

This release features Californians (mostly from Napa) which I chose to completely ignore. The sky high prices for these wines make them unfit for my consumption. I almost had to ignore those in the Brunello feature as well but having been in Montalcino last summer, I must confess a twinge of fondness and interest. The price I paid for the Piccolomini Pianrosso single vineyard offering compared to the price the LCBO is charging for the normale is a like an ice cold shower. Reality really bites. That said, the March 05 release has some wines that are worth your consideration.

Spain figures prominently in my selections from this release and with good reason. There are a number of apparently fine wines

Baron de Ley 2010 Reserva at $21.95  One of the WOMs, it’s an ok priced Rioja that’ll age nicely for years  and provide ample pleasure with food right away.

Bordon Rioja Reserva 2009 $19.95 -Equally good,  with one more year of age on it, and two fewer dollars expense,  this subtle food wine will not overpower but rather complement your meals.

Jardin de Luculo 2012 – Are you looking for something other than Tempranillo? Here’s a well scored Grenache that will be good for a few years to come.

Descendientes  de J. Palacios Petalos 2013 - $24.95 - A collaboration of Alvero Palacios and Ricardo Perez,  the wine is produced using 100% Mencia grapes from the  Bierzo region. It is annually a treat both visually and to your tastebuds. Give it a bit of time or decant.

Sisters Run Cow’s Corner GSM 2014 $16.95– So far in 2016 it seems Sister’s Run is this year’s Gerard Bertrand, seemingly a new offering available in each Vintages release. The GSM is a new one for me but I’ll try it just because of my fondness for this blend. Think of it as a slightly expensive Cotes du Rhone.

Xavier COTES Du RHONE 2012 -$17.00 – One of The Food and Drink ‘Specials’-No need to rush for this one. There are almost 3500 cases of it. Upper priced for most Cotes du Rhone but from this negociant/ producer it might be a worthwhile selection. If you’re a penny pinching C d R fan I suggest you look around for some leftover 2013 Domaine le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu or drop into the Languedoc for some leftover 2012 Chateau des Aladeres Vielle Vignes. Both were $14.95

JOSH Cabernet Sauvignon 2013- $17.00 – The other Food and Drink Special. Seems like a not bad price for a Cali cab from a good year but I’m not familiar with the producer. 3000 cases minus 1 means there’ll be lots. If you’re a cab fan, compare it to the Columbia Crest in this release to see if it’s as good. Reviews do seem OK.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - $17.95 – Ready for short term consumption, this is a solid, well made wine if a little heavy handed with oak sometimes.

Castello di Bibbione Chianti Classico Reserva 2010 - $22.95 – OK priced Chianti from a good vintage.

John X Merriman – Rustenberg 2012 $24.95 presents a Bordeaux blend from South Africa that can be enjoyed for the next 5 – 8 years.

Finca el Origin 2013 Malbec – $19.95 – The other WOM will provide a great accompaniment to burgers or sausages from the grill.

NK’MIP CELLARS QWAM QWMT 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon - $28.95 -A flashy, fleshy, sophisticated cabernet from the Southern Okanagan. The native Canadian band’s land may be the best grape growing soil in the entire valley.  Pronounced as follows, (Nk'Mip: in-Ka-meep.  QwAM QwMT: kw-em kw-empt), Winemaker Randy Picton said some years ago, "It took a leap of faith for the band to use a name that was so hard to pronounce,"  but the name honours both the terrior and the heritage of the band.

BIG BUCKS

It’s very hard to pass up the Brunelli in the release but one of my New Year’s resolutions was to hold the line at an absolute max of $50. So far so good! Let’s start the big buck options with:

LUCA G LOT Chardonnay 2013 $34.95 – OK, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way immediately. Yes I am recommending an Argentinian Chardonnay that sells for $35 bucks! Were this a Cali chard of this quality, it’d be at least two or three times the price. It would be fun to have a Chard-off among this one, something from Napa, a premiere cru Chablis, the Hamilton Russell and say Norman Hardie’s or last year’s Closson Chase PEC County chardonnay. After the tasting, enjoy them all with fresh, pan fried pickerel, bass or even some shrimp on the bar-b. Life doesn’t get better.

Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo 2010 $49.95 – Don’t spring for the litre and a half when their 750 ml slides in under the $50 mark. You‘re better off buying two of them but there is something to be said for those big bottles! 

Feb.20 Vintages - Australia takes centre stage

Vintages February 20^th release features Australia and, while it has some of the same old same olds, it also has some new and different wines for us. Interesting that the winery occupying half a page in the Adelaide Hills section is not represented in the release. Odd? Not for the LCBO. I’m sure whoever took the pic had an enjoyable choco vino tasting at that winery. And I’m sure the owners of Hahndorf Hill were content not to deal with the LCBO. Giving the Penfolds mirror almost a quarter of a page baffles me as well. I cannot imagine a real retailer publishing a retail catalogue and giving up three quarters of a page to suppliers not even in the catalogue.  

Another personal opinion is that many of the wine critics’ scores are somewhat elevated for the wines presented. James Halliday and Campbell Mattinson are Australian wine writers and are not dissimilar to many of our own local writers in that respect. Let’s just say they are susceptible to nationalistic tastebuds, shall we? On the other hand, James Suckling seems more interested in promoting his wine website - high scores keep his name before the public on shelf talkers and that drives subscriptions to his site. Keep these facts in mind and reduce their numerical scores by 2 to 5 points and you will get a better idea of what to expect in the bottles. On to the picks!

Twelftree Greenock Ebenezer Grenache Mataro 2012 – $23.95- 399 cases of 6 - Expect a sleek OZ take on the Southern Rhone stalwart. Twelftree Wines, from Michael Twelftree of Two Hands fame, is a limited collection of Grenache based wines. They’ve been sourced from vineyard sites to present the best of what both the grapes and sites have to offer. Here the Grenache is from near Moppa Springs and the Mourvedre (Mataro in Oz) is from a vineyard near the village of Ebenezer in the Barossa Valley.

3 Rings Shiraz 2013- $18.95 – 888 cases of 12 and as the label says, “It’s magic”. And not badly priced either.

Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - $29.95 – 199 cases of 12 in the release. A winner of the Cabernet Trophy as the best cab in the national wine show in Oz. From the Margaret River area, expect more Bordeaux influences than those exhibited by the Katnook below.

Katnook Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 -$29.95 –332 cases of 6 - A wonderful cabernet from the Coonawarra region, expect black fruit and hints of eucalyptus. Great with lamb and historically 91- 92 points in my book.

Jip JIP Rocks Shiraz 2013 - $16.95 – 998 cases of 12 of this well priced, solid wine for BBQs.

Penny’s Hill Cracking Black Shiraz 2013 -$21.95 – 503 cases of 12 Big, rich, dark wine from the McLaren Vale.

D’Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2012 - $19.95 – 998 cases of this good sub $20 wine.

Also in the release is ‘Fields of Joy’ from the Two Hands Picture Series. While the Picture Series identifies the entry level wines in the Two Hands portfolio it does not represent a reduction in quality. ‘FoJ’ is from grapes grown in the Clare Valley region and as Michael Twelftree described an earlier vintage “…Clare Valley is easily one of the most soft and elegant regions I work with in Australia. The wines have a lifted aromatic profile and a very tight and slightly lean palate that is … caressing and silky, I always love Clare for its feminine nature.”

LaPosta Armando Bonarda 2014 $14.95 647 cases- of 12 – Fruity, but balanced. If you’re looking for something different you might want to give this a try.

Gadais Muscadet Sevre & Maine – 2013- $15.95 – Feeling like a white? There’ll be 504 cases of this somewhat underappreciated  wine from the Loire. Made from the Melon de Borgogne grape and right in its drinking window.

Muriel Gran Reserva 2005- $28.95 –898 cases- Looking for an older wine? This has 10 and a half years on it but is still going strong. Ready to serve immediately with charcuterie, tapas or anything grilled or roasted. The 2008 Muriel Reserva was excellent and I expect nothing less from its older, bigger brother (the 2005).

BIG BUCKS

Glaetzer Bishop Shiraz 2013 – $40.00- 255 cases of 6 - I had a previous vintage of this alongside Glaetzer’s Amon Ra and there was little, if anything to choose between the two. Super wine.

Raymond Usseglio Cuvee Imperiale Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 – $57.95 - 120 cases and superb, from vines over 100 years old. In 2010 this cuvee flirted with 100 points. If you can afford it, this might be worth wrestling for.

Feb.06 - Southern France and South Africa

Yee gods, seems like yesterday we were celebrating the New Year and already another month is gone! The first release of February brings us 2 features – Southern France and South Africa. Both are somewhat underappreciated regions which should be a good thing for your wallet. If the Vintages buyers are on the ball we should have some tasty well priced bargains.  Key word in both these statements is ‘should’. Here we go.

WHITES

LOIRE

PIERRE-LUC BOUCHAUD MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2014   336 cases of 12 $14.95 – At a tasting last year I was sure this was a far more expensive white Burgundy. Shame on me! It turned out to be a Loire Muscadet Sèvre et Maine produced from 100% melon de bourgogne grapes. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a well priced daily drinker to replace more expensive chardonnays. Terrific on its own or with some grilled shrimp, and even better with fresh water pickerel or bass.

SOUTH AFRICA - Whites

KEN FORRESTER OLD VINE RESERVE CHENIN BLANC 2015   300 cases of 12 $17.95 – Good, new world, chenin blanc. (There’s a Cali alternative for $1 more that you also might want to try this week).

SOUTH AFRICA - REDS

Three Cabs/ Bordeaux blends from South Africa. All are very good.

RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD CLASSIQUE 2012 A 12 503 cases of 12 $22.95 

RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON 2013   299 cases of 12 $19.95 

GRAHAM BECK THE GAME RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   250 cases of 12 $18.95  

MIDI 

CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN  277 cases of 12 $18.95 – Consistent, quality  wine.

 HECHT & BANNIER MINERVOIS 2013   279 cases of 12   $19.95   I tend to think of Minervois reds as the  equivalents of a lower cru Cotes du Rhone Villages. H and B are excellent producers.

RHÔNE

FONCALIEU RÉSERVE DU CROUZAU ST. GERVAIS CÔTES DU RHONE VILLAGES 2012-  599 cases of 12 $16.95 – From the named village of St. Gervais, this is a well priced option and from a better year for Grenache (better than 2013 for sure) in the Southern Rhone.

DOMAINE DE LA COLLINE ST-JEAN VACQUEYRAS 2012 300 cases of 12  $24.95

GREECE

BOUTARI NAOUSSA XINOMAVRO 2013 450 cases of 12 $13.95 – Grill something to accompany this well priced quality wine and be comfortable serving your guests xinomavro instead of Cab Sauv, Malbec or Shiraz. Roughly translated to acid black, that about sums this one up.

AUSTRALIA

SISTERS RUN CALVARY HILL SHIRAZ 2013 - $15.95 – Well made, slightly less ostentatious (that is to say, fewer medals on the bottle) shiraz.
THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2014   1063 cases of 12 $17.95 – Festooned with enough medals to sink a super freighter, this wine is a good if somewhat old school shiraz.

TUSCANY

CASTELLI DEL GREVEPESA CLEMENTE VII CHIANTI CLASSICO 2010  599 cases of 12 $20.95  - 2010 was a wonderful year in Tuscany, and this should be in its prime.

WASHINGTON STATE

COLUMBIA CREST H3 LES CHEVAUX RED BLEND 2012   335 cases of 12  $19.95  - A  crowd pleasing blend  for parties and BBQs. I’ve found the Columbia Crest wines a little heavy on the oak lately but YMMV.

4 Bubblies for Valentine’s Day from well known producers

GÉRARD BERTRAND CUVÉE THOMAS JEFFERSON BRUT CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX 2014  499 cases of 6 $19.95 – Something a little different from Gerard Bertrand. Could be time for a Cremant fest! This nice blend of Chenin and Chard is perfect to say Cheers while playing Ch-Ch-Changes at your next Bowie themed house party.

NINO FRANCO BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE   400 cases of 12 $21.95  - Worth searching out.

PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE 330 cases of 12  $18.95  - Well known Alsace producer, high quality  in both still and sparklers. Butted up against Germany and Switzerland, Alsace produces some terrific cool climate wines.

SOUTH AFRICA - GRAHAM BECK BRUT ROSÉ   499 cases of 6 $19.95 – One more well known producer, this time from South Africa.

BIG BUCKS and ‘EXCLUSIVES’

ROCCA DELLE MACÌE RISERVA DI FIZZANO SINGLE VINEYARD 2011  117 cases of 12 $32.95 – This single vineyard wine meets all the requirements to be a Gran Selezione and should be terrific. Not necessarily a contemplation (or is that meditation?) wine, this’ll be wonderful with any Tuscan cuisine.

Secret des Schistes 2011 – This wine, made from 100% syrah grapes, gets a wonderful score from Jeb Dunnuck. Does it live up to it? Maybe, but the wine is new to me and with Crozes Hermitages and St. Joseph’s available for less, I'll have a hard time spending this much. 

BURROWING OWL MERLOT 2012 167  cases of 12 $39.95  

SAN GIACOMO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   111 cases of 12  $49.95 – Well scored by all, and from the 2010 vintage (broken record time, I know!) this’ll be ready now with a good decant but superb in a couple of years.

CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2012   99 cases of 12 $49.95 – Expensive for the quality you’ll get. It’s tough to decide if you should spend the $50 on a Brunello instead.  

January 23rd - Argentina, Chile and Portugal

This week we get the featured  Argentina + Chile and  Portugal backs them up. It’s another yawner but there appear to be a few more QPR bargains this time than in the year’s first one - the supposed ‘smart shopper’ release. This one also has a few intermediate priced wines ($18 – $30) worthy of consideration.  Don’t overthink them though and my recommendation is, should you see some leftovers that you really enjoyed from past releases, don’t hesitate to spring for the known entities.

From a release perspective, let’s just say if the LCBO was the Leafs, they’d be on at least a two game losing streak.

ARGENTINA and CHILE

CONO SUR SINGLE VINEYARD EL RECURSO BLOCK 18 CABERNET 2014 349 cases of 12 - $18.95 – From a single vineyard in the Maipo valley, expect some black fruit and green aromas and flavours, hints of mint, loam and currants.

TONELES TONEL 22 2013 - $17.95 – A well scored Malbec but it is new to me.

Trapiche Broquel Bonarda 2013 - $14.95 – A lesser known and not widely imported wine, Bonarda is worth trying. Also known as Charbono (in the U.S.) and Douce Noir or Corbeau (in France).  The price is right for this example and the producer superior. Fruit forward and not too tannic but requires a long growing season to fully ripen. In a poor year expect green, vegetal flavours.

SANTA ALICIA GRAN RESERVA CAB SAUV 2011 - $15.95 – Right in its drinking window.

Concha Y TORO Carmenere 2013 $19.95 – Serve up this Chilean wine with smoky BBQ’d beef. Not Cab Franc, not Cab Sauv, nor Merlot but hints of each.

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2013   613 cases of 12 $18.95 – Lamb or beef Burgers? Nice pairing.  

AUSTRALIA

HUGH HAMILTON  JIM JIM  THE DOWN-UNDERDOG  SHIRAZ 2013   829 cases of 12 $15.95 – Very solid Aussie product.

WAKEFIELD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   2111 cases of 12 $17.95 – There is a reason that the LCBO bought so many bottles. It is always solid for the price.

SHINGLEBACK DAVEY ESTATE SHIRAZ 2012  223 cases of 12 $23.95   Expensive for the release but perhaps worth it.

 RHÔNE

 LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2013   1007 cases of 12 $15.95 – A CdR that will be fine to serve on any occasion or with any meat from roast chicken to lamb to beef to pork.  

LES AMOURIERS SIGNATURE VACQUEYRAS 2012   239 cases of 12 $26.95 – A better vintage than 2013, worth opening the wallet for one or two.

E. GUIGAL CROZES-HERMITAGE 2012  199 cases of 12 $28.95  - A nice syrah from the Rhone’s  best known negotiant, this’ll be good now and provide pleasure to come. Save it for a rack of lamb. 

TUSCANY

CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2010   249 cases of 12 $29.95 Also expensive for this release but from a superior vintage. Worth trying one or two and this one should be ready to drink but also hold if you wish.

BASCIANO CHIANTI RUFINA 2012   $15.95 A food wine to be sure but well priced and I expect a fuller, darker wine than most regular (non Classico) Chiantis. Try with bison or wild boar ragu and pasta. Ok, substitute lamb or pork if you wish.

CALIFORNIA

LANDER-JENKINS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 899 cases of 12 $18.95 – New to me. This could be a pleasant surprise for its price. For those familiar with ‘The Show’, think of it as that wine without the marketing.  Nothing too sophisticated but I expect it’ll fit well round a BBQ later in the spring.

KENDALL-JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON   499 cases of 12 $22.95 Solid. Will never have you saying “Wow, what’s that?” but also will never have you saying “Ewwww, what’s that?”

BIG BUCKS

FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010   223 cases of 12 $49.95 – If decanted for an hour or three this one is usually ready to drink. Trying not to sound like a broken record, this is from what is considered a great vintage.

Jan. 09 Vintages release - Here we go again!

Let's start the year with a question. Why can't you find the Vintages delistings anywhere on the Vintages  (or LCBO) websites? I bought a Cornas that was $11 off the posted price but  I had to ask for a price check and not even the Vintages consultant knew about it!  I found the info on a wine forum and have no idea of how long it had been at that new pricepoint. LCBO, you work for me, so tell me these things!!!!

The first release of the year should allow your wallet to recover from the voracious Vintages attacks of the last few months. I say should but remember, we’re dealing with the LCBO here. In their inimitable wisdom they have started the year with a feature called “How to Be a SMART Shopper”  like they’re our best friend and have our interests at heart.  But at the same time they charge us exorbitant markups and provide limited selections and availabilities. New year….same old  transparently obvious LCBO.

 While there might be one or two ageworthy choices available in this release, they are outnumbered by the simple quaffers.

SOUTH AFRICA

MULDERBOSCH CHENIN BLANC 2015 S 12 335 $14.95 Distinctive label, nice with oysters especially, but any seafood or fish will suffice.

RED TABLE WINE

 CHILE

Santa Rita Medalla Real Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 -  699 cases of 12 $17.95  - Best QPR Cab in the release but you're better served to grab the '12 CARMEN Gran Reserva from the general list.

RHÔNE

DOMAINE LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE Villages 2013- 1299 cases of 12  $14.95 – Not a great vintage for Grenache so try one to confirm it’s as good as last year’s (which by the way was a terrific value) then consider buying a case. 

DOMAINE SAINT-ROCH VACQUEYRAS 2014 490 cases of 12 $21.95 Well priced for a Vacqueyras.

 ITALY

PUGLIA

ANTICO SIGILLO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2013   1040 cases of 12 $19.95  - Expensive for a primitivo from Puglia, especially when bought in these quantities. Should be a great pizza or burger wine though.

 TUSCANY

BIBI GRAETZ CASAMATTA SANGIOVESE 700 cases of 12 $14.95  - This is a blend of  current and previous vintages, ready to drink alongside pizza or a homemade spaghetti and meatball supper.

OZ
SISTERS RUN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 $15.95 - Always well priced and well valued. Meatloaf or burgers or sausage pizza.
CALIFORNIA

GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU MOUNTAIN CUVÉE 2012   799 cases of 12 $19.95 – Parker calls it a Rhone look alike but I think it’s closer to the kind of blend you’d find from areas of the Midi. I will try one just because I like the winery for their sense of humour. You can spend time on their website and smile often.

FIRST PRESS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 1287 cases of 12 $22.95 – Napa Cab, ok price. Not a great vintage so I don’t know why the LCBO bought so many bottles when both the ’12 and ’13 are available. Industrial wine, unaffected by vintage quality, I suppose.

 WASHINGTON STATE

POWERS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013   223 cases of  12 $22.95 The truth is I haven’t heard of this winery before. Although it is OK to be labelled as a Cab Sauv it is actually 88% Cab Sauv, 4 % Merlot, 4% Cab Franc, 2% Syrah and 2% Malbec. But wait, it gets better. These grapes are sourced from 7 different vineyards. Worth trying one if only for the wine tour of Washington State.

Big Bucks – After the last couple of months these don’t seem all that big – but the reality is you get what you pay for.

 LA PIEVE BAROLO 2011 $34.95 – Not a great vintage or producer but it’s well priced for a Barolo and is a good starting point. Give it a year or so in a cool dark place.

BAnfi Brunello but only if it’s a 2010. After the 4^th of January this one’ll be 5 bucks off. If you can find one 2010, buy one and lay it down for 5 years minimum.

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.